British Journal of Radiology (2003) 76, 149
© 2003 British Institute of Radiology
doi:
Introduction to Vascular Ultrasonography (4th edn). By William J Zwiebel, pp. xiv+505, 2000 (W.B.Saunders Co.), £65.00 ISBN 0 7216 6949 2
T Evans
The fact that this book, which was originally published in 1983, is now in its fourth edition 17 years later is testimony to its quality. It is a truly comprehensive text, covering all aspects of vascular ultrasound and as such, continues to impress. In fact there are 20 contributing authors many of whom are household names and this helps to establish and maintain its generally authoritative tone. Its 500 or so pages are divided into five sections; Basics, Cerebral Vessels, Extremity Arteries, Extremity Veins and Abdominal Vessels and it is liberally illustrated with good quality images, including many colour plates. In total, there are 31 chapters many of which have over 50 references. It is reasonable to suggest that this could be a standard reference text for any vascular laboratory or imaging department which takes vascular ultrasound seriously.
However, the book does have weaknesses and most of these probably stem from its age. It has the look of an old book which has been given a "makeover" rather than a complete revision. The chapter on physics looks particularly dated and uses examples from mechanical scanners with inadequate description of some of the newer high frequency devices. This is consistent with the absence of a proper discussion of scanning of the intima-media interface or tracking of its movement in the carotid artery section. The physics chapter introduces the term "Energy-Mode Imaging" but two chapters later, the same technique is called Power Doppler, reinforcing the view that these are afterthoughts added quickly in an attempt to keep up-to-date.
Overall, the book has much to commend it and continues to be an important reference. However, it is now beginning to show its age and there is a suspicion that this edition may be the last.
