British Journal of Radiology (2006) 79, 540
© 2006 British Institute of Radiology
doi:
Coronary radiology. By M Oudkerk. pp. x+254, 2004 (Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York), £107.50 ISBN 3-540-43640-5
B Holloway
This book provides an overview of the various imaging modalities used to assess the coronary vessels. Five main areas are covered: anatomy, invasive imaging, non-invasive imaging, calcification and multidimensional computed coronary visualization. The invasive imaging section includes intracoronary ultrasound. Non-invasive imaging principally outlines coronary CT, but also addresses MR coronary angiography and electron beam CT. The calcification chapter makes up a significant proportion of the book and outlines coronary calcification imaging, its epidemiology and the clinical implications. In depth coverage of imaging rendering techniques is found in the final chapter. This particular section would also be useful to imaging in other areas of the body.
The large sections are divided into clearly set short chapters which lend this book well to reading in multiple short time periods. Furthermore, the text flows well and it is an easy read. Correlation between modalities is frequently displayed particularly with regard to conventional angiography positioning and CT angiography positioning. This is evident in the demonstration of anatomy with direct correlations between diagrammatic angiographic positioning with conventional angiograms and CT angiographic images displayed together. The images are clear, up to date and well set out. The use of diagrams to assist explanation is frequent and works well. References are displayed throughout the text with lists found at the end of each chapter. Overall this book allows the reader to gain an understanding rather than simply use for reference.
