Technical magnetic resonance imaging

Technical magnetic resonance imaging

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 1997 BOOKREVIEWS 449 fections in the orientation of the figures and of the drawings have been noted and could be corrected in a s...

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 1997

BOOKREVIEWS

449

fections in the orientation of the figures and of the drawings have been noted and could be corrected in a subsequent edition. The references are limited to a few classical books and atlases of general radiology. The index at the end of the volume is mainly dedicated to the various diseases. The synoptic form and the compact size and style make the book suitable for a quick consultation and are therefore useful not only for residents who will benefit from the concise presentation, but for physicians involved in the field and general radiologists occasionally coping with the chest problems as well, and could reveal particularly helpful when no other ultrasound or CT tests to support the diagnosis are available.

Particular importance is given to the analysis of the radiological images observed in the plain radiographs of the abdomen, and emphasis is given to the properly conducted contrast study of the gastrointestinal tract. The importance of this study is, in the opinion of this reviewer, important because too often the junior resident is given the impression that these studies are the last to be considered, after the other more “modern” procedures. From the reading of this textbook, the resident will appreciate when a contrast study should be performed and the value of certain techniques. Briefly but clearly analyzed are the pathological conditions involving the biliary system and their radiographic images revealed in studies with or without contrast media. M. MAFFESSANTI, MD iconography accompany PIISO899-7071(97)00099-5 Rich and demonstrative and well illustrate each chapter, although a few illustrations are too severely cropped and a particular finding is not clearly demonstrated. In summary, this recommended textbook should be within easy reach for consultation and not only by Differential Diagnosis in Conventional Gastrointestinal Radiology the junior resident, but also by more senior radiologists, whenever a particular diagnostic problem is Francis A. Burgener and Martti Kormano discussed. New York: Thieme Medical Publishing, Inc.; Stuttgart-New York: Georg Thieme Verlag, 1997, ANTONIO F. GOVONI, MD 233 pages (521 illustrations, 41 tables, DM 115) PI1 SO899-7071(97)00100-9

This textbook

is a section taken from Differential DiRadiology, by the same authors, and presents clearly and concisely the various pathological processes involving the gastrointestinal tract and discusses the radiological findings observed in standard radiographs of the abdomen or following contrast medium studies. In the first chapters are discussed the abnormal gas patterns, the various types and characteristics of abdominal calcifications, and the cause and effects of displaced abdominal organs. Analyzed then are the pathological processes producing dilatation and motility disorders, abnormal mucosal patterns, ulcerations, diverticula, and fistulas involving the different segments of the gastrointestinal tract and visualized by contrast media. The final chapter is dedicated to an analysis of the pathological conditions involving the biliary system, gallbladder, and bile ducts. In each chapter, well-organized and clear tables present a pathological process, for example, abnormal gas pattern, and its radiological findings are reviewed. Practical comments are also given that guide the reader through the possible conditions producing that particular image, leading to the most logical diagnostic conclusion.

agnosis in Conventional

Technical Magnetic Resonance Imaging John A. Markisz and Michael Aquilia Stamford, CT: Appleton & Lange, 1996, 287 pages (price not given) Divided into 12 chapters, this book reviews the various aspects of MRI technology and technique, as well as the artifacts, with problem analysis and proposed solutions and quality control. The last chapter, devoted to patient management, offers very practical information and is well written. In addition to its clear presentation of the theoretical aspects of MRI, this book is also of unquestionable practical value: each chapter ends with a certain number of “points to ponder,” which highlight the elements to keep in mind. The very complete chapter on artifacts includes a helpful table listing the source, the type of the artifact, and the remedy for it, along with a number of pertinent comments. The brief list of references is followed by a glossary and an explanatory list of the main abbreviations and acronyms related to MRI. This easy-to-read book provides satisfactory an-

450

BOOK REVIEWS

swers to numerous questions and should prove to be an effective source of instruction to young radiologists and to technologists who wish to familiarize themselves with the various aspects of MRI. Furthermore, Technical Magnetic Resonance Imaging, because of its clear presentation of the technology and

CLINICAL IMAGING VOL. 21, NO. 6

techniques of MRI should have a place in any department dedicated to MRI for the evaluation of problems that require a rapid solution. JEAN NOEL BRLJNETON,

MD

PI1 s0899-7071(97)00101-0