British Journal of Radiology (2003) 76, 356
© 2003 British Institute of Radiology
doi:
Pocket radiologist: paediatrics. Top 100 diagnoses. By LF Donnelly, SM O'Hara, SJ Westra and SI Blaser, pp. xii+303, 2002 (WB Saunders Company Limited, Salt Lake City, UT), £37.00 ISBN 0-7216-0672-5
J McHugo
This short text will undoubtedly prove popular with those in training in Radiology. The format of the text is clear and concisely set out in note form relating to key facts, imaging findings, differential diagnosis, pathology and clinical issues. Each section is provided with up-to-date key references.
There are seven separate sections covering the following areas: Chest, Airway, Cardiac, Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, Musculoskeletal and Neurology. Each section, on the whole, is set out logically and there is a comprehensive list of diagnoses allowing easy access to the relevant sections.
Each section is supported by plain film radiographs, ultrasound, CT or MRI images. Unfortunately for a radiological text many of these images are relatively small and of poor quality, particularly the plain radiographs. This seriously detracts from the overall value of this book. In some instances the quality of the reproduced radiograph are of such a low quality that it is difficult to discern the abnormalities identified in the text. The quality of the CT and MRI images for the majority of cases are of a much higher standard and clearly illustrate the abnormalities and radiological signs appropriately. In addition to these diagnostic images there is a selection of well-produced computerized images demonstrating the appropriate pathology.
As previously stated the size, text and price of this concise text will undoubtedly prove popular. I remain very disappointed that more attention to detail relating to the quality of the plain radiographs has not been given. This latter fact seriously reduces the over-quality of this book.
