- Email: [email protected]
Information processing in medical imaging
JULY-SEPTEMBER
BOOK REVIEWS
1991
tion to detailed anatomy within this already complex region of the central nervous system, the author provides the necessary and germane “clinical” applications. This not only renders a purpose for the meticulous dissection work behind this text, it also serves to maintain relevance for the clinically oriented reader. In eight chapters, the author illustrates the posterior cranial fossa with encyclopedic detail. The first three chapters provide a walk-through description with respect to its floor, roof, and contents. The next four chapters focus with greater attention on specific areas: Incisura tentorii, foramen magnum, cerebellopontine angle with porus and internal acoustic meatus, and jugular foramen. The final chapter presents anatomic dissections in axial and sagittal planes as they correlate with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The material is clearly and logically presented from one region to the next. However, some familiarity with basic neuroanatomy is naturally assumed in a work that gives this degree of attention to such fine structures and their functions. The outstanding feature of the book is its visual presentation of anatomy. There are 155 superb illustrations (56 in color) throughout the book that are clearly labeled, and comprehensively display the posterior fossa anatomy. These include numerous color photographs of original dissections, many of which are magnified and include a scale for easy size reference. Histologic sections assist in depiction of brainstem nuclei. In addition, no structural dimensions are too trivial for this work. For instance, brainstem nuclei volumes are measured, and male and female ranges provided. The collection of line drawings complements the photographs with measurements, while clearly demonstrating three-dimensional anatomy. Although the book is a magnificent visual illustration of anatomy, it is far more than an atlas. The neural pathways described are clearly and succinctly integrated with their functions both within the text and in line drawings. Various clinical syndromes are presented not only within the text, but in graphic form. For example, a line drawing depicts loci of midbrain lesions which result in specific symptoms that are tabulated on the diagram itself. Tumors arising in the various cisterns, resultant symptoms, and neurosurgical approach with respect to variations in vascular anatomy are also discussed. References are cited extensively throughout the text, as well as at the end of the book. The chapter providing an anatomic basis for magnetic resonance imaging is a clinically practical addition, as this modality has revolutionalized imaging
233
of the posterior fossa, in particular, with multiplanar image capability. Although no MRI images are included in the chapter, this is not necessarily a fault. Neither the chapter nor the book claims to be a primary radiology resource. The book is designed as a clinically oriented anatomy text, a goal it achieves laudibly. However, in addition to the axial and sagittal sections provided, coronal sections would give a desirable correlation, especially for cerebellopontine angle and tentorial anatomy as it is imaged by MRI. This book serves to unfold the complexity of this intricate central nervous system region. Its persistent attention to all detail, excellent images, and its extensive citations create a definitive reference for anyone involved in the diagnosis or treatment of disorders affecting the posterior fossa. Although apparently geared toward the neurosurgeon, this book would also serve the neurologist and neuroradiologist well. Neophyte neuroanatomy students and most medical students may find portions of the text too advanced for their level of training. GERARD
A. COMPITO,
M.D.
The New York HospitalCornell University Medical College New York. N.Y.
Information Processing in Medical Imaging Douglas A. Ortendahl and Jorge Llacer [eds.). New York: Wiley-Liss, 1991, $99.95, 584 pages. Volume 363 of the Progress in Clinical and Biological Research series records the Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information Processing in Medical Imaging held June 19-23,1969 at Berkeley, California. Its forty chapters are grouped into six areas of interest: Image Reconstruction, Fundamental Concepts and Image Analysis, MRI and Applications, Image Analysis and Segmentation, Image Analysis and Applications, and Medical Applications. Most of the forty chapters are directed toward imaging modalities such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, SPECT, scintigraphy, digital radiography, and ultrasound; but there are chapters on cytologic applications, electrical impedance tomography, as well as general vision and display problems. In this age of ever-increasing specialization, it is probably necessary to note that (despite the rather broad title of this volume) most of the chapters included here center on algorithmic or analytic problems rather than on hardware, software, or even
234
BOOK
CLINICAL
REVIEWS
computing strategies. Thus many of the chapters require a reasonable degree of mathematical sophistication on the part of the reader. In point of fact, by placing several articles with a rather high formal content at the very beginning of this book, the editors may have unnecessarily discouraged a number of readers who could have otherwise profited from some of the later less mathematical chapters. Although this book does contain multiple typefaces, it is generally well produced with good figures and adequate images. The articles are typically well written and edited. In contrast to far too many proceedings publications, this volume does offer an extensive index. One editorial feature that might have substantially improved the utility of this volume at little added cost would have been an initial abstract for each chapter. Only the most dedicated scholar is likely to read this book from cover to cover. Most readers will be drawn to only a half dozen or so of the chapters that relate directly to their own interests. Initial abstracts would greatly facilitate the cross-fertilization of many of these subspecialties. In any event, this book contains many interesting features (e.g., an analysis of tomographic systems in terms of eigenfunctions and null functions) plus some applications of statistical and analytic theory that are novel in the context of medical imaging [e.g., the use of Markov random fields in reconstruction or estimating the fractal dimension of liver scintigrams from power spectral analysis). The less mathematically inclined can learn how to overcome some common limitations of 3 DFT MR imaging or how to match lumen shape to angiograms. In summary, this book belongs in the library of anyone serious about image reconstruction and analysis. R. JAMES R. KNOWLES, PH.D.
The New York HospitalCornell University Medical New York, N.Y. Ultrasound in Gynecology and Atlas E. Merz and W. Goldhofer. 343 pages.
College
and Obstetrics:
Textbook
New York: Thieme,
1991,
This text is an English translation of the original 1988 German edition. It is organized into four main sections: General (including history, physics, and safety); Gynecology; Obstetrics; and Endosonography (mainly transvaginal). Each chapter is richly illustrated with high-quality sonograms with clear labelling and succinct
IMAGING
VOL. 15, NO. 3
legends. Many sonograms are compared with corresponding intraoperative, postoperative, or postpartum photographs of clinical and pathological conditions. There are many biometric graphs and tables, both within the text and the appendix. One drawback of this textbook is that it is based on a 1988 publication, and is therefore somewhat outdated in two respects: 1) there is only a very limited discussion of Doppler sonography and no discussion of the application of Doppler for the evaluation of uteroplacental and fetoplacental hemodynamics and 2) many references are relatively old, dating from 1978-1982. With the more recent publication of several textbooks that include obstetrics, gynecology, transvaginal sonography, and Doppler sonography, it is difficult to define a niche for this text. Nevertheless, this volume may be useful for any radiologist or obstetrician involved with pelvic sonography. WILLIAM RUBENSTEIN, M.D.
The New York HospitalCornell University Medical New York, N.Y.
College
Imaging of the Pelvis: MRI with Correlations to CT and Ultrasound Marcia C. Fishman-Javitt, Harry L. Stein, and John L. Lovecchio (eds.). Boston: Little, Brown, 1990, 292 pages. This is an outstanding text written by an internationally known group of authors. The editors succeed in obtaining their stated aim of providing a comprehensive review of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of diseases of the pelvis, and comparing and contrasting MRI with computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography. Two chapters on normal male and female anatomy describe the MR appearance of the normal pelvis on standard pulse sequences. Detailed treatments of the various organ systems of the pelvis follow. Eight clearly written chapters (“The Vulva and Vagina”; “The Cervix”; “The Uterus”; “The Ovary”; “The Bladder”; “The “The Scrotum”; “The Rectum”; “The Prostate”; Perirectal Region”; etc.) present excellent examples of proven pathology in quality images, along with a differential diagnosis and often with corresponding CT and ultrasound images. A very well-written chapter comparing the efficacy of CT and MRI outlines the relative advantages and disadvantages of each modality, indicating when each technique should be used. Past, current, and future considerations necessary in assessing the
BOOK REVIEWS
1991
tion to detailed anatomy within this already complex region of the central nervous system, the author provides the necessary and germane “clinical” applications. This not only renders a purpose for the meticulous dissection work behind this text, it also serves to maintain relevance for the clinically oriented reader. In eight chapters, the author illustrates the posterior cranial fossa with encyclopedic detail. The first three chapters provide a walk-through description with respect to its floor, roof, and contents. The next four chapters focus with greater attention on specific areas: Incisura tentorii, foramen magnum, cerebellopontine angle with porus and internal acoustic meatus, and jugular foramen. The final chapter presents anatomic dissections in axial and sagittal planes as they correlate with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The material is clearly and logically presented from one region to the next. However, some familiarity with basic neuroanatomy is naturally assumed in a work that gives this degree of attention to such fine structures and their functions. The outstanding feature of the book is its visual presentation of anatomy. There are 155 superb illustrations (56 in color) throughout the book that are clearly labeled, and comprehensively display the posterior fossa anatomy. These include numerous color photographs of original dissections, many of which are magnified and include a scale for easy size reference. Histologic sections assist in depiction of brainstem nuclei. In addition, no structural dimensions are too trivial for this work. For instance, brainstem nuclei volumes are measured, and male and female ranges provided. The collection of line drawings complements the photographs with measurements, while clearly demonstrating three-dimensional anatomy. Although the book is a magnificent visual illustration of anatomy, it is far more than an atlas. The neural pathways described are clearly and succinctly integrated with their functions both within the text and in line drawings. Various clinical syndromes are presented not only within the text, but in graphic form. For example, a line drawing depicts loci of midbrain lesions which result in specific symptoms that are tabulated on the diagram itself. Tumors arising in the various cisterns, resultant symptoms, and neurosurgical approach with respect to variations in vascular anatomy are also discussed. References are cited extensively throughout the text, as well as at the end of the book. The chapter providing an anatomic basis for magnetic resonance imaging is a clinically practical addition, as this modality has revolutionalized imaging
233
of the posterior fossa, in particular, with multiplanar image capability. Although no MRI images are included in the chapter, this is not necessarily a fault. Neither the chapter nor the book claims to be a primary radiology resource. The book is designed as a clinically oriented anatomy text, a goal it achieves laudibly. However, in addition to the axial and sagittal sections provided, coronal sections would give a desirable correlation, especially for cerebellopontine angle and tentorial anatomy as it is imaged by MRI. This book serves to unfold the complexity of this intricate central nervous system region. Its persistent attention to all detail, excellent images, and its extensive citations create a definitive reference for anyone involved in the diagnosis or treatment of disorders affecting the posterior fossa. Although apparently geared toward the neurosurgeon, this book would also serve the neurologist and neuroradiologist well. Neophyte neuroanatomy students and most medical students may find portions of the text too advanced for their level of training. GERARD
A. COMPITO,
M.D.
The New York HospitalCornell University Medical College New York. N.Y.
Information Processing in Medical Imaging Douglas A. Ortendahl and Jorge Llacer [eds.). New York: Wiley-Liss, 1991, $99.95, 584 pages. Volume 363 of the Progress in Clinical and Biological Research series records the Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information Processing in Medical Imaging held June 19-23,1969 at Berkeley, California. Its forty chapters are grouped into six areas of interest: Image Reconstruction, Fundamental Concepts and Image Analysis, MRI and Applications, Image Analysis and Segmentation, Image Analysis and Applications, and Medical Applications. Most of the forty chapters are directed toward imaging modalities such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, SPECT, scintigraphy, digital radiography, and ultrasound; but there are chapters on cytologic applications, electrical impedance tomography, as well as general vision and display problems. In this age of ever-increasing specialization, it is probably necessary to note that (despite the rather broad title of this volume) most of the chapters included here center on algorithmic or analytic problems rather than on hardware, software, or even
234
BOOK
CLINICAL
REVIEWS
computing strategies. Thus many of the chapters require a reasonable degree of mathematical sophistication on the part of the reader. In point of fact, by placing several articles with a rather high formal content at the very beginning of this book, the editors may have unnecessarily discouraged a number of readers who could have otherwise profited from some of the later less mathematical chapters. Although this book does contain multiple typefaces, it is generally well produced with good figures and adequate images. The articles are typically well written and edited. In contrast to far too many proceedings publications, this volume does offer an extensive index. One editorial feature that might have substantially improved the utility of this volume at little added cost would have been an initial abstract for each chapter. Only the most dedicated scholar is likely to read this book from cover to cover. Most readers will be drawn to only a half dozen or so of the chapters that relate directly to their own interests. Initial abstracts would greatly facilitate the cross-fertilization of many of these subspecialties. In any event, this book contains many interesting features (e.g., an analysis of tomographic systems in terms of eigenfunctions and null functions) plus some applications of statistical and analytic theory that are novel in the context of medical imaging [e.g., the use of Markov random fields in reconstruction or estimating the fractal dimension of liver scintigrams from power spectral analysis). The less mathematically inclined can learn how to overcome some common limitations of 3 DFT MR imaging or how to match lumen shape to angiograms. In summary, this book belongs in the library of anyone serious about image reconstruction and analysis. R. JAMES R. KNOWLES, PH.D.
The New York HospitalCornell University Medical New York, N.Y. Ultrasound in Gynecology and Atlas E. Merz and W. Goldhofer. 343 pages.
College
and Obstetrics:
Textbook
New York: Thieme,
1991,
This text is an English translation of the original 1988 German edition. It is organized into four main sections: General (including history, physics, and safety); Gynecology; Obstetrics; and Endosonography (mainly transvaginal). Each chapter is richly illustrated with high-quality sonograms with clear labelling and succinct
IMAGING
VOL. 15, NO. 3
legends. Many sonograms are compared with corresponding intraoperative, postoperative, or postpartum photographs of clinical and pathological conditions. There are many biometric graphs and tables, both within the text and the appendix. One drawback of this textbook is that it is based on a 1988 publication, and is therefore somewhat outdated in two respects: 1) there is only a very limited discussion of Doppler sonography and no discussion of the application of Doppler for the evaluation of uteroplacental and fetoplacental hemodynamics and 2) many references are relatively old, dating from 1978-1982. With the more recent publication of several textbooks that include obstetrics, gynecology, transvaginal sonography, and Doppler sonography, it is difficult to define a niche for this text. Nevertheless, this volume may be useful for any radiologist or obstetrician involved with pelvic sonography. WILLIAM RUBENSTEIN, M.D.
The New York HospitalCornell University Medical New York, N.Y.
College
Imaging of the Pelvis: MRI with Correlations to CT and Ultrasound Marcia C. Fishman-Javitt, Harry L. Stein, and John L. Lovecchio (eds.). Boston: Little, Brown, 1990, 292 pages. This is an outstanding text written by an internationally known group of authors. The editors succeed in obtaining their stated aim of providing a comprehensive review of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of diseases of the pelvis, and comparing and contrasting MRI with computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography. Two chapters on normal male and female anatomy describe the MR appearance of the normal pelvis on standard pulse sequences. Detailed treatments of the various organ systems of the pelvis follow. Eight clearly written chapters (“The Vulva and Vagina”; “The Cervix”; “The Uterus”; “The Ovary”; “The Bladder”; “The “The Scrotum”; “The Rectum”; “The Prostate”; Perirectal Region”; etc.) present excellent examples of proven pathology in quality images, along with a differential diagnosis and often with corresponding CT and ultrasound images. A very well-written chapter comparing the efficacy of CT and MRI outlines the relative advantages and disadvantages of each modality, indicating when each technique should be used. Past, current, and future considerations necessary in assessing the