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Cardiac Imaging, 3rd Edition
The Bookshelf
THE PHYSICS OF CLINICAL MR TAUGHT THROUGH IMAGES, SECOND EDITION Val M. Runge, Wolfgang R. Nitz, Stuart H. Schmeets. Thieme, New York, NY; 2009. 256 pp, 274 illustrations, $59.95, paperback.
The Physics of Clinical MR Taught Through Images, Second Edition, is a concise treatise illustrating both basic and advanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques in an easy-to-understand format. The text is arranged into 110 chapters, with each chapter describing a clinically relevant topic in two to four pages. True to the title, equations and theoretical physics concepts are not included. Instead, images are used to compare techniques and principles (eg, spin echo vs fast spin echo). Most of the chapters can be read independently, allowing readers more familiar with basic MR principles to use the text as a reference. The first portion of the book focuses on basic principles, including MR safety and the differences between proton density, T1 and T2 weighting. Other fundamental concepts, such as signal-to noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, field of view, matrix size, and artifacts are scattered throughout the text. Early chapters also discuss different implementations of spin-echo and gradient-echo imaging, including fast spin echo, half-acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo, dual-echo steady state, balanced steady-state free precession, and turbo fast low-angle shot. The second half of the book is devoted to more advanced imaging techniques and anatomy-specific MR imaging. Chapters in this portion of the book describe three-dimensional imaging, non-contrast-enhanced and contrast-enhanced MR angiography, diffusion-weighted imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, and MR spectroscopy. Specific chapters on cardiac imaging, MR mammography, and MR cholangiopancreatography are also included. For each implementation of a new MR sequence, the corresponding pulse diagram is shown. These diagrams are not thoroughly described in the text and, consequently, can be both helpful and confusing. The basic concepts and functional differences between the sequences can, however, be learned through the corresponding clinical images without having an indepth understanding of the pulse diagrams. Indeed, the authors state that these pulse diagrams may be confusing and will make more sense as the reader progresses through the text. Overall, the
Grading Key:
1304
++++ = excellent +++ = good ++ = fair + = poor
image quality in the book is adequate to illustrate the MR principles and differences in pulse sequences covered. Most of the images are derived for neuroradiology examples. The final chapter of the book is dedicated to the multitude of acronyms for pulse sequences used by the major MR equipment vendors. Although the acronyms covered in the earlier chapters of the book are summarized in table format, a more complete tabulation would be helpful for those readers using this book as a reference. References for more in-depth explanations are noticeably missing. However, an ample index is included for quick reference. In conclusion, this is a well-written, concise text for readers interested in learning basic MR principles and the differences between MR pulse sequences presented through short explanations and illustrative clinical images. Book Contents: ++++ Readability: +++ Accuracy: ++++ Utility: ++++ Overall Evaluation: ++++ Utility Medical Students: + Radiology Residents: ++++ Radiology Fellows: ++++ General Practice Radiologists: ++++ MR Physicists: +++ Daniel R. Karolyi, MD, PhD Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, GA
CARDIAC IMAGING, 3RD EDITION Stephen Wilmot Miller, Suhny Abbara, and Lawrence B. Boxt, Mosby Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA; 2009. 456 pp, $102.00, hardcover.
The Radiology Requisites series offers high-yield reviews of a multitude of radiology subspecialties. The third edition of Cardiac Imaging continues in this tradition and in 11 chapters offers a comprehensive overview of the current tools in the cardiac imager’s arsenal as well as discussions of major categories of disease affecting the heart and aorta. The first chapter, ‘‘The Elements of Cardiac Imaging,’’ consists primarily of concise discussions of plain-film analysis of cardiac shape and size, cardiac and pericardial calcifications, and pulmonary vasculature. The subsequent four chapters each focus
THE BOOKSHELF
Academic Radiology, Vol 16, No 10, October 2009
on modalities commonly used by cardiac imagers: echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, angiography, and computed tomography. Following this modality-specific discussion of cardiac imaging, the remaining chapters cover valvular and ischemic heart disease, coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA), pericardial and myocardial disease, congenital heart disease, and finally thoracic aortic disease. There have been many technological advances in cardiac imaging since the publication of the second edition in 2005, and the authors have naturally updated the text to reflect these changes. Cardiac computed tomography and coronary CTA are becoming more widespread as acquisition times shorten and resolution, both spatial and temporal, increases. Two new chapters, which include almost 200 images and figures, provide a thorough review of the latest advances in these areas. The chapter on coronary CTA in particular provides the reader with an excellent introduction and discussion of this exciting technique. Multiple figures supplement the clear and succinct explanation of the underlying technical principles. The current clinical role and indications for the procedure are covered with the caveat that the role of coronary CTA in clinical practice continues to evolve. Another particularly strong section is the chapter on congenital heart disease, which concludes with a useful approach to the differential diagnosis of congenital abnormalities. Anyone seeking to strengthen his or her ability in this area will benefit from the authors’ presentation of the five types of pulmonary vascular patterns, ages of presentation, and prevalence of disease. Although a significant amount of new material has been added, the overall number of pages has remained essentially unchanged. By decreasing the font size slightly, the book has been kept to just over 400 pages. The text is nicely comple-
mented by a large number of high-quality, well-labeled images, many of which are new. In keeping with the style of the Radiology Requisites series, tables and boxes are used liberally to highlight important information in a concise manner. These additions dramatically increase the ease with which material can be reviewed quickly and efficiently. In summary, this newest edition of Cardiac Imaging is an excellent resource for residents who desire a well-written, up-todate review of cardiac imaging. Fellows and practicing radiologists will also find much of value, though they will likely want to seek out more thorough discussions of some topics than this book is designed to provide. Book Contents: ++++ Readability: ++++ Accuracy: ++++ Utility: ++++ Overall Evaluation: ++++ Utility Medical Students: ++ Radiology Residents: ++++ Radiology Fellows: +++ General Practice Radiologists: +++ David Wicker Department of Radiology Emory University Hospital Atlanta, GA
1305
THE PHYSICS OF CLINICAL MR TAUGHT THROUGH IMAGES, SECOND EDITION Val M. Runge, Wolfgang R. Nitz, Stuart H. Schmeets. Thieme, New York, NY; 2009. 256 pp, 274 illustrations, $59.95, paperback.
The Physics of Clinical MR Taught Through Images, Second Edition, is a concise treatise illustrating both basic and advanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques in an easy-to-understand format. The text is arranged into 110 chapters, with each chapter describing a clinically relevant topic in two to four pages. True to the title, equations and theoretical physics concepts are not included. Instead, images are used to compare techniques and principles (eg, spin echo vs fast spin echo). Most of the chapters can be read independently, allowing readers more familiar with basic MR principles to use the text as a reference. The first portion of the book focuses on basic principles, including MR safety and the differences between proton density, T1 and T2 weighting. Other fundamental concepts, such as signal-to noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, field of view, matrix size, and artifacts are scattered throughout the text. Early chapters also discuss different implementations of spin-echo and gradient-echo imaging, including fast spin echo, half-acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo, dual-echo steady state, balanced steady-state free precession, and turbo fast low-angle shot. The second half of the book is devoted to more advanced imaging techniques and anatomy-specific MR imaging. Chapters in this portion of the book describe three-dimensional imaging, non-contrast-enhanced and contrast-enhanced MR angiography, diffusion-weighted imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, and MR spectroscopy. Specific chapters on cardiac imaging, MR mammography, and MR cholangiopancreatography are also included. For each implementation of a new MR sequence, the corresponding pulse diagram is shown. These diagrams are not thoroughly described in the text and, consequently, can be both helpful and confusing. The basic concepts and functional differences between the sequences can, however, be learned through the corresponding clinical images without having an indepth understanding of the pulse diagrams. Indeed, the authors state that these pulse diagrams may be confusing and will make more sense as the reader progresses through the text. Overall, the
Grading Key:
1304
++++ = excellent +++ = good ++ = fair + = poor
image quality in the book is adequate to illustrate the MR principles and differences in pulse sequences covered. Most of the images are derived for neuroradiology examples. The final chapter of the book is dedicated to the multitude of acronyms for pulse sequences used by the major MR equipment vendors. Although the acronyms covered in the earlier chapters of the book are summarized in table format, a more complete tabulation would be helpful for those readers using this book as a reference. References for more in-depth explanations are noticeably missing. However, an ample index is included for quick reference. In conclusion, this is a well-written, concise text for readers interested in learning basic MR principles and the differences between MR pulse sequences presented through short explanations and illustrative clinical images. Book Contents: ++++ Readability: +++ Accuracy: ++++ Utility: ++++ Overall Evaluation: ++++ Utility Medical Students: + Radiology Residents: ++++ Radiology Fellows: ++++ General Practice Radiologists: ++++ MR Physicists: +++ Daniel R. Karolyi, MD, PhD Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, GA
CARDIAC IMAGING, 3RD EDITION Stephen Wilmot Miller, Suhny Abbara, and Lawrence B. Boxt, Mosby Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA; 2009. 456 pp, $102.00, hardcover.
The Radiology Requisites series offers high-yield reviews of a multitude of radiology subspecialties. The third edition of Cardiac Imaging continues in this tradition and in 11 chapters offers a comprehensive overview of the current tools in the cardiac imager’s arsenal as well as discussions of major categories of disease affecting the heart and aorta. The first chapter, ‘‘The Elements of Cardiac Imaging,’’ consists primarily of concise discussions of plain-film analysis of cardiac shape and size, cardiac and pericardial calcifications, and pulmonary vasculature. The subsequent four chapters each focus
THE BOOKSHELF
Academic Radiology, Vol 16, No 10, October 2009
on modalities commonly used by cardiac imagers: echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, angiography, and computed tomography. Following this modality-specific discussion of cardiac imaging, the remaining chapters cover valvular and ischemic heart disease, coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA), pericardial and myocardial disease, congenital heart disease, and finally thoracic aortic disease. There have been many technological advances in cardiac imaging since the publication of the second edition in 2005, and the authors have naturally updated the text to reflect these changes. Cardiac computed tomography and coronary CTA are becoming more widespread as acquisition times shorten and resolution, both spatial and temporal, increases. Two new chapters, which include almost 200 images and figures, provide a thorough review of the latest advances in these areas. The chapter on coronary CTA in particular provides the reader with an excellent introduction and discussion of this exciting technique. Multiple figures supplement the clear and succinct explanation of the underlying technical principles. The current clinical role and indications for the procedure are covered with the caveat that the role of coronary CTA in clinical practice continues to evolve. Another particularly strong section is the chapter on congenital heart disease, which concludes with a useful approach to the differential diagnosis of congenital abnormalities. Anyone seeking to strengthen his or her ability in this area will benefit from the authors’ presentation of the five types of pulmonary vascular patterns, ages of presentation, and prevalence of disease. Although a significant amount of new material has been added, the overall number of pages has remained essentially unchanged. By decreasing the font size slightly, the book has been kept to just over 400 pages. The text is nicely comple-
mented by a large number of high-quality, well-labeled images, many of which are new. In keeping with the style of the Radiology Requisites series, tables and boxes are used liberally to highlight important information in a concise manner. These additions dramatically increase the ease with which material can be reviewed quickly and efficiently. In summary, this newest edition of Cardiac Imaging is an excellent resource for residents who desire a well-written, up-todate review of cardiac imaging. Fellows and practicing radiologists will also find much of value, though they will likely want to seek out more thorough discussions of some topics than this book is designed to provide. Book Contents: ++++ Readability: ++++ Accuracy: ++++ Utility: ++++ Overall Evaluation: ++++ Utility Medical Students: ++ Radiology Residents: ++++ Radiology Fellows: +++ General Practice Radiologists: +++ David Wicker Department of Radiology Emory University Hospital Atlanta, GA
1305