British Journal of Radiology 75 (2002),568-569 © 2002 The British Institute of Radiology
Anatomy in Diagnostic Imaging (2nd edn). By P Fleckenstein and J Tranum-Jensen, pp. 416, 2001 (Munksgaard, Copenhagen, Denmark), £47.50 ISBN 87-16-12336-0
J Hughes
Although there is a brief section on imaging technology and a useful dictionary, the main tenant of the text is a pictorial review of normal anatomy as demonstrated by the wide range of diagnostic imaging modalities currently available.
The text is presented by body region, each region is then demonstrated with appropriate images of plain radiography and contrast studies, CT, MRI, ultrasound and RNI. In addition, there are series of images relating to age variation in the hand, spine, teeth and foot. The quality of printing is good throughout allowing the 800 images to be representative of those seen in clinical practice, albeit slightly lacking in the density range of transmitted images. Nevertheless, the quality of each image is more than adequate to demonstrate the anatomy required. The nomenclature is in UK English rather than US English.
The pages (24 cm xtimes;times; 30 cm) have, on average, two pairs of images; an original and the same image beside it with an overlay of lines and numbered labels that relate to the key beneath the images. The original image is therefore uncluttered by obscuring lines. The use of the overlayed image is effective, allowing for self-testing and quick reference. This is particularly effective in the MRI (both T1 and T2 weighted) and CT sections, where small structures and contrast differences on the original are not obscured with the overlay. As would be expected, the sectional anatomy is presented sequentially following images of the scout views.
This text represents excellent value for money and is likely to find its way onto many shelves within imaging departments and education establishments alike. It will be particularly useful to students of all levels. At £47.50, many may choose a personal copy.
