Originally Published in the ASUM Ultrasound Bulletin
| General | O&G | Paediatric | Small Parts | Cardiac | Physics |
| Obstetrics & Gynaecology | ||
| Title | Author | ASUM Bulletin |
Bronshtein
M, Zimmer Z |
2002;3:36 |
|
| Fetal Therapy | Evans M, Platt L, De La Cruz F | 2002;1:26 |
| Ultrasonography in Obstetrics and Gynecology: A Practical Approach | Benson C, et al. | 2001;3:32 |
| Ultrasonography in Obstetrics and Gynecology 4th Edition | Callen P (Ed) | 2001;1:29 |
| Textbook of Fetal Ultrasound | Jaffe R and Bui T (Eds) | 2000;2:29 |
| Interventional Ultrasound in Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and the Breast | Lemery D & Santolaya-Forgas J | 1999;3:34 |
| Paediatric | ||
| Title | Author | ASUM Bulletin |
| Pediatric Sonography 3rd Edition | Marilyn J Siegel MD (Ed) | 2002;4:25 |
| Small Parts | ||
| Title | Author | ASUM Bulletin |
| The Practice of Breast Ultrasound | Madjar H | 2001;3:32 |
| Breast Ultrasound 2nd Edition | Lanfranchi ME | 2001;1:29 |
| Practical Head and Neck Ultrasound | Ahuja A and Evans R (Eds) | 2000;3:27 |
Return to Book Reviews Index
| Vascular | ||
| Title | Author | ASUM Bulletin |
| Vascular Ultrasound of the Neck - An Interptetive Atlas | Alayon A, McKinney W | 2001;4:26 |
| Peripheral Vascular Ultrasound: How, Why and When | Thrush A, Hartshorne T | 2000;3:25-26 |
| Echoenhancers and Transcranial Colour Duplex Sonography | Bogdahn U, Becker G, Schlachetzki F |
1999;3:33-34 |
| Cardiac | ||
| Title | Author | ASUM Bulletin |
| Echo Made easy | Sam Kaddoura | 2003;1:20 |
| Physics | ||
| Title | Author | ASUM Bulletin |
| Acoustic Characterization of Contrast Agents for Medical Ultrasound Imaging | Lars Hoff | 2002;4:25 |
Title: Ultrasound of Abdominal Transplantation
Authors: Paul S Sidhu, Grant M Baxter
Publisher: Thieme, New York
Year: 2002
Approximate Price: $A220.00
This book, consisting of 14 chapters with 257 illustrations, covers much of the ultrasonic imaging of organ transplantation, particularly the range of transplantation surgery performed in Australia. Its stated readership includes radiologists, sonographers, surgeons and physicians, but is of primary interest only to the first two groups. With chapter headings including chronic renal failure and pretransplantation assessment, paediatric renal transplantation, indications and assessment for liver transplantation, ultrasound assessment of the liver transplant candidate, early and late ultrasound follow up of liver transplantation, and pancreas, small bowel and multi-visceral transplantation, it has the potential to be of great use to radiologists and sonographers in specialist transplant centres, and also to those performing ultrasound in a more general setting.
Thankfully, this book lives up to its potential by providing a comprehensive and concise review of the relevant imaging features in patients who may be approaching transplantation, and both frequent and less common complications which may be encountered in the immediate post-operative period, and in the long term. Awareness of the long term sequelae of organ transplantation is important, particularly as immunosuppression is associated with significant risks and complications, including post transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders, and these patients often have follow up imaging outside major transplant centres, when they are otherwise well.
This book is easy to read, mercifully free of typographical errors, has useful and brief summary tables, and consistently high quality B-mode and colour Doppler ultrasound images, printed on high quality paper. The up-to-date and extensive references, excellent line diagrams of surgical technique, and coverage of interventional radiology in renal and liver transplantation, including non-ultrasound imaging, enhance its utility. To their credit, the authors accept and admit the limitations of ultrasound assessment in some areas, such as post-TIPS Doppler and screening of patients with chronic liver disease for hepatoma, and indicate the desirability of performing other imaging (shunt venography, CT, MRI) in selected cases.
Areas not covered in this book, but which would be desirable, include some mention of the great role ultrasound has in guiding interventions in this patient population (for liver biopsy, alcohol injection, RF ablation, PTC and TIPS guidance), and a brief overview of optimisation of scan technique and ultrasound machine set-up for Doppler examinations. These are minor quibbles only. In summary, this would be a valuable and frequently used reference book in radiology departments in kidney and liver transplant centres, but would also be of use in a more general setting, particularly as patients with chronic liver disease are being imaged more frequently, often outside major teaching hospitals.
Reviewed by Dr Tony Schelleman, Austin Hospital, Radiology Department
Title: Echo Made Easy
Author: Sam Kaddoura
Publisher: Churchill Livingstone
Approximate Price: $A48.40
The aim of this relatively small book of 190 pages is to offer a "practical and clinically useful introduction" to echocardiography, as the author states in the Preface. The author has directed the work primarily at those who will be using and requesting echocardiographic studies. There are many more detailed and comprehensive texts around, but for its intended purpose this book succeeds well. The work describes succinctly only the very basic principles of echocardiography, outlines the simple pathophysiology of a wide variety of cardiac abnormalities and summarises the associated echocardiographic findings, measurements and calculations. Useful clinical perspective is offered. In all, the book is well written and illustrated, and packs in an enormous amount of information for its size. There is some over-simplification but this is probably unavoidable for a publication of this type. The book does not provide sufficient information for those who wish to perform or report on echocardiographic studies. Those wishing to do so may choose to proceed directly to more comprehensive texts. However, many may ggggstill find this book to be a helpful, quick and pain-free introduction to what has become a very broad area of study. All novices can be recommended to check this book out before going further afield.Reviewed by Dr Christopher Choong, Royal North Shore Hospital, Cardiology Department
Title: Acoustic Characterization of Contrast Agents for Medical Ultrasound Imaging
Author: Lars Hoff, Department of Telecommunications, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
Publisher: Kluwer Academic Publishers
Published: 2001 ISBN 1 4020 0144 4
Approximate Cost: $A168.95 (hard cover)The book covers the theory of ultrasonic contrast agengggt bubble behaviour applicable to ultrasonic contrast imaging. The author is particularly well placed to write such a book. He worked for some time at Nycomed Imaging AS, a developer and manufacturer of ultrasonic contrast agents. He then worked at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. This book is based on his Ph.D. thesis at the University. The author observed the lack of a good basic book on contrast agents during his earlier studies, and one of his aims was to fill this gap.
Although the book is a rigourous theoretical treatise, it is noteworthy in the clarity with which the author explains in lay terms the significance of the steps in the theoretical formalism, particularly in the early chapters. Thus a medical practitioner with some mathematical “bent” and a desire to understand the behaviour of contrast agents would be greatly assisted by the commentary which accompanies each mathematical step.
In addition to the theoretical development, there is a comprehensive treatment of the experimental methods used for the measurement of contrast agent properties. This would be of great assistance to any group without previous ultrasonic measurement expertise wishing to perform measurements of ultrasonic contrast agent properties in their own lab. Such measurements would provide a greater understanding of contrast agent bubble behaviour. They could also be used to compare the behaviour of different contrast agents under controlled conditions.
The latter chapters provide a comprehensive account of higher harmonic and non-linear bubble behaviour. There are extensive simulations of behaviour of various contrast agents, as well as measurements to verify the simulations. These would be of interest to the serious investigator of the newly developing areas of contrast agent application in harmonic and inverted pulse imaging. The market for this book would be mainly as a library reference for medical practitioners. It would also provide an excellent handbook for those medical practitioners or scientists wishing to delve deeper into contrast agent properties, either for quantitative studies, or for comparison of the performance of different contrast agents.Reviewed by: Dr D E Robinson AM
Title: Pediatric Sonography 3rd Edition
Editor: Marilyn J Siegel MD
Publisher: Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins
Published: 2002 ISBN 0 7817 2753 7
Approximate cost: $A457.50It is with great pleasure that I review the 3rd edition of this excellent comprehensive textbook dedicated to Pediatric Ultrasound. The first edition (1990) and second edition (1996) have become the standard textbooks in many pediatric radiology and pediatric ultrasound departments around the world. This current edition continues to reflect the evolution of this subspeciality of sonography having almost doubled in size (720 pages) compared to the first edition (420 pages). The contributing authors to the chapters have changed to current experts in their field although Siegel remains the predominant contributor.
All chapters have been expanded, including not only how to do the examination, normal anatomy and variations on normal but also sonographic findings in disease processes and reviewing the current state of scientific opinions with regard to specific ultrasound findings in certain pathological processes.
The first 2 chapters cover physical principles, instrumentation and artifacts. The following 13 chapters are divided by body region including brain, face and neck, chest, liver, gallbladder and biliary tract, spleen and peritoneal cavity, GI tract, urinary tract, adrenal glands, pancreas and retroperitoneum, female/male pelvis, musculosketetal and vascular and then spinal ultrasound. The final chapter is about pediatric ultrasound guided intervention.
The chest chapter now includes pediatric breast ultrasound and expected findings in certain disease processes including premature thelarche. Intracranial Doppler is discussed in more depth including a table with normal arterial blood flow velocities in term infants. The images are of high quality with numerous examples of disease processes and normality including 40 pages of colour plates with wonderful Doppler examples of haemangiomas, abscesses, malignant sacrococcygeal teratoma with the feeding vessels and intracranial sagittal sinus thrombosis to mention just a few.
Overall I believe the book has achieved its goal to provide a very up-to-date comprehensive textbook on the applications of pediatric ultrasound. It is very readable and extremely well illustrated. It should be the standard text in any ultrasound department performing pediatric studies and for anyone interested in pediatric sonography.Reviewed by: Dr Lee Coleman, Pediatric Radiologist
Title: Transvaginal Sonography of the Normal and Abnormal Fetus
Authors: Bronshtein M, Zimmer Z
Publisher: Parthenon
Published: 2001 ISBN 1-85070-693-X
Approximate cost: $AU223.33What makes this text different to others is that it provides a review of the transvaginal ultrasound assessment of the normal and abnormal fetus up to 17 weeks gestation. It therefore includes the benefits of transvaginal ultrasound between 14-17 weeks gestation, a time in gestation when most of us would routinely resort to transabdominal examination.
The 267 page hard back presents the experience of a team of 9 clinicians from the Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel over a 15 year period; a team with international reputation who have made a substantial contribution on transvaginal ultrasound to the world literature over this time. Their experience from 30,000 examinations is presented in an easy to read fashion.
There are 15 chapters in total with chapter sizes ranging from 6 to 44 pages in length and with an average chapter length of 17 pages. Each chapter is well referenced. Assessment of each major organ system is presented with additional chapters on sonoembryology, Doppler studies during early gestation, chromosomal abnormalities, the cervix placenta and membranes and fetal growth. There is a wealth of images scattered throughout each chapter and most are of good quality. Each chapter gives a brief account of the common fetal anomalies with reference to the benefits of transvaginal scanning where appropriate. The book was not written as a complete reference of embryo/fetal anatomy and pathology but rather it provides a balanced approach to the benefits of vaginal scanning in all gestations and leaves the reader with practical tips that will surprise even the most avid reader. I would recommend this book as a useful adjunct to one of the more comprehensive tests such as Nyberg’s or Callen’s textbook of obstetric ultrasound.Reviewed by: Dr Simon Meagher BSc MRCPI FRACOG FRCOG DDU COGU
Title: Textbook of Mammography (2nd Edition)
Author: Several
Editors: Audrey K Tucker and Yin Y Ng
Publisher: Harcourt
Published: 2001
Approximate cost: $AU325.05This general textbook of mammography includes a dedicated chapter on breast ultrasound as well as specific reference to ultrasound guided techniques in the chapter on intervention. It also includes relevant ultrasound images in more general chapters describing benign and malignant diseases of the breast.
“Ultrasound: imaging, dynamic and haemodynamic features”, is the title of the dedicated ultrasound chapter. It is written by D. O. Cosgrove and W. E. Svensson, both well recognised authors in this field. The chapter is 23 pages in length. It is a succinct account of breast ultrasound, covering topics of technique,normal findings and pathological features, both benign and malignant. The authors also discuss some important diagnostic problems for ultrasound, such as small carcinomas, scars, artefacts and potential pitfalls in interpretation.
The concise text in this chapter is well supported by good quality ultrasound images, including multiple colour doppler images.
The text is also well referenced with a list of many relevant and up-to-date references at the end of the chapter. This list would be a good starting point for wider and more specific reading on breast ultrasound.
Overall, this dedicated ultrasound chapter in a general text of mammography, would be a handy reference in the diagnostic setting of image workup of breast symptoms. Importantly, included in this chapter is a section on the role of ultrasound in the management of breast disease. This is a good summary of the uses of breast ultrasound and it also offers perspective for its use in the diagnosis of breast disease.
The chapter titled “Interventional Techniques”, is written by M. Brown and Y. Y. Ng. It includes comprehensive sections on ultrasound guided cyst aspiration and fine needle aspiration, core biopsy and pre operative needle localisation. Text is well illustrated with clear line diagrams and relevant ultrasound images. Again this concise account would be a useful reference in a busy radiology department.
Although the ultrasound images used in the dedicated ultrasound sections of this book are of high quality, unfortunately the few illustrative examples used in other chapters are a little disappointing by comparison.
The ultrasound sections of this general mammography textbook would be a useful reference in a general radiology department, where often a succinct description of ultrasound features is required in the imaging workup of breast symptoms.Reviewed by: Dr Arlene Mou
Title: Musculoskeletal Ultrasound 2nd Edition
Authors: Marnix T van Holsbeeck, Joseph H Introcaso
Publisher: Mosby, 2001
Approximate cost: $AU363.00It is a pleasant duty to review the second edition of this book, the first edition of which has become a classic text since publication 11 years ago. The whole text has been expanded from 319 to 628 pages with 6 additional contributors. All chapters include more images, new diagrams, box summaries and some information on the use of colour Doppler and power Doppler.
Text is again divided into chapters on pathology according to tissue type (muscle, tendons, bursae, ligaments, joints, skin and bone) and according to regional anatomy. Chapters on the elbow, wrist and hand, hip, knee, and ankle have been considerably updated to include many more topics and more detail. For example, the hip chapter includes a useful section on ‘hip snaps, locks and clicks’. The shoulder chapter has been completed revised by Ronnie Ptasznik.
One of the two new chapters is entitled ‘Pathophysiology and Patterns of Disease’ and discusses muscle rupture, tendon rupture, tendon degeneration, tendonosis, chronic overuse and ligament tears, providing useful detail on the pattern of conditions such as rotator cuff tendinopathy. However the pathophysiologic difference or relationship between tendon degeneration, tendonosis and chronic overuse is not made clear. Acute tendinitis has not been discussed although it had been in the tendon chapter. The interchangeable use of the terms tendinitis and tendonosis thoughout the book is confusing at times.
The new interventional ultrasound chapter is a useful addition covering such topics as aspiration of soft tissues (haematoma, abscess, calcium, seromas), aspiration and injection of joints, synovial biopsy, tumour biopsy and hookwire localization.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound has progressed considerably since the first edition of this text and the experience of the authors contributes to a very useful second edition for all users of ultrasound.Reviewed by: Patsy Robertson
Title: Ultrasound in surgical practice: basic principles and applications
Editors: Jay K Harness & Dennis D Wisher
Publisher: Wiley-Liss, Inc, New York 2001
Total no of Pages: 531 pages
Approximate cost: $AU312.00The stated design of this text is as an introduction into the world of ultrasonography, with applications, concepts and techniques for the surgeon. However, irrespective of its target audience, an ultrasound textbook should provide an up to date and adequately thorough overview of technology and its applications. In this respect, and in others, the book fails to meet its objectives: There is no discussion of broadband transducer technology or of power Doppler and, at best, brief mention of the place of colour Doppler in many clinical situations. Similarly, the explanations of various probes is relatively superficial.
For text aimed at surgeons, there are surprising omissions: eg., the urinary tract is rather poorly covered and the prostate not at all. In the sections dealing with renal masses (complex cysts and tumours), the place of Doppler is not even discussed. Testicular ultrasound gets one paragraph in the 516 main pages of the text. Couinaud’s concept of segmental anatomy is ignored in the main liver segmental anatomy section on pages 82 and 83.
There are some redeeming aspects to the text. Two chapters, one on the breast and the other on the thyroid and parathyroid, both written by Harness and one co-author, shine out in an otherwise disappointing textbook (although again, Doppler does not really figure in these chapters). Similarly, it appears odd that the place of colour Doppler is not discussed in many inflammatory conditions.
The illustrations, overall, could be better. The only colour plates in the book, which all relate to the chapter on vascular imaging, generally failed to reflect what more modern technology can achieve. There are no examples of power Doppler use and ultrasound contrast agents are not mentioned.
Other chapters include intra-operative and laparoscopic ultrasound, endoluminal ultrasound of the rectum, trans-oesophageal endosonography and echocardiography and ultrasound in the intensive care unit. The standard in these chapters is rather variable, but generally satisfactory.
In summary, this is a somewhat ordinary text and the suspicion is that, while for imaging experts there are much better texts around, the surgeons targeted by this volume are sophisticated and would also be disappointed by its scope and content. Generally, too many relatively recent technological advances do not receive they place they richly deserve (even in the chapter on technological advances), and too many organ systems and techniques could have been better covered.Reviewed by: Alain Lavoipierre
Title: Textbook of Diagnostic Ultrasonography 5th Edition
Author: Sandra L Hagen-Ansert
Publisher: Mosby
Published: 2001
Approximate cost: $AU515.00The fifth edition of Textbook of Diagnostic Ultrasonography by Sandra Hagen-Ansert is a beautifully presented, special Silver Anniversary Edition. It is a terrific tribute to the author who has had over 25 years of involvement in the development and teaching of sonographic techniques. In 1995 I reviewed the 4th Edition of this text, for the ASUM Bulletin, when it moved from a single volume to a 2-volume set. I highly recommended the previous edition to all general sonographers, from students to the more experienced, and this book has always been on the recommended text list for my students. Previous editions have presented detailed information in comprehensible form, aimed at sonographers, and have represented excellent value for money.
The 5th edition has continued this tradition. It has been extensively revised and updated and includes many new features, particularly new images, revised anatomy diagrams and color photographs of pathology specimens. The visual design of the book has been updated with extensive use of color highlights and “focus charts” to assist the student sonographer in his or her studying.
The 2- volume set format remains, with volume 2 now being dedicated entirely to obstetrics and gynecology, with many new and expanded chapters. A notable new addition is a chapter on ethics in obstetric scanning. Volume 1 covers most aspects of general sonography; abdomen, superficial structures, pediatrics, vascular applications and two introductory chapters on echocardiography.
As in previous editions, the text is aimed primarily at sonographers and this is reflected in the emphasis on the practical aspects of technique and the presentation of excellent and relevant anatomical, pathological and clinical information. I’m sure many departments involved in the training of student sonographers have previous editions of this text as an important part of their libraries. In my opinion, this text has been sufficiently updated and revised to warrant updating the library with this new edition. As in the past, it represents terrific value for money, as far as textbooks are concerned, and should be affordable for many student sonographers individually.
In summary, a highly recommended text for student sonographers, more experienced sonographers and those involved in training and teaching. Congratulations to the author on 25 years of dedicated service to ultrasound education.Reviewed by: Margo Harkness
Title: The Core Curriculum - Ultrasound
Author: William E Brant
Publisher: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
Year: 2001-12-20
Approximate cost: $AU250.80This well presented book lives up to both its title and the author’s goal in the preface of the book. Brant’s goal is “ ….a succinct, yet detailed and heavily illustrated reference for the busy resident alone in the radiology department in the middle of the night.”
The book comprises fifteen chapters and five hundred and eleven pages. This, at first inspection, may seem rather lengthy for a “succinct” reference book. The reason for this is largely due to the to the number of good quality and comprehensive images which are studded throughout. The images are up-to-date and relevant. Indeed this is the flavour of the book, which covers a multitude of common topics with discussions that are very relevant to a modern ultrasound practice, particularly those with registrars in training. While intended for radiology registrars, the book would also be very relevant to sonographers studying at DMU Part 2 level (or university equivalent).
The layout of the chapters is well structured to assist the reader to absorb the fundamentals. Relevant points are made in point form for easy access and reading. The diagrams and tables are clear and concise, as is the relevant labelling of the ultrasound images.
Each chapter begins with a simple explanation of relevant ultrasound anatomy. For example Chapter 2 (Abdominal Ultrasound) covers the liver and begins with a diagram of Couinauds segments of the liver. This gives the reader an important refresher for the ensuing conditions the author goes on to describe.
In each chapter there is a discussion of the pitfalls and artefacts, which are relevant to that particular area. This includes the first chapter, which describes the basic “ knobology “ of the ultrasound machine and general ultrasound artefacts, relevant to all scanning.
A minor criticism is that all the colour Doppler images are displayed on 16 pages located centrally within the book. These images are referred to at various points spread throughout the book. Presumably the central layout is the result of printing cost issues rather than for ease of access by the reader, as at times this style of presentation can be somewhat cumbersome.
No weight has been given to clinical symptoms/signs and the book contains little physics. This however is in line with the authors’ initial goal and indeed these areas are covered well in other ultrasound texts.
The references are relevant and up-to-date.
Overall the book is impressive and a necessary addition to the library of all ultrasound practices where there are radiology registrars and sonographers in training. A text well worth the read!Reviewed by: Dr Alex Taylor MB BS (Hons) FRACR
Title: Fetal Therapy
Editors: MI Evans, LD Platt, F De La Cruz
Publisher: Parthenon
Published: 2001
Approximate cost: $AU95.00This book appears to be a collection of papers produced after a conference. It is unclear when the conference was held but it seems to have been some time ago.
Chapter 1 is an excellent summary on the use of ultrasound in the detection of fetal abnormality.
The chapter on embryo-fetoscopy provides good general material but the same type of presentation was being produced 10 years ago – small numbers, few data.
Treatment of fetal obstructive uropathy is potentially one of the most important areas. There was again good general discussion although there were few figures, little follow-up and no discussion on complications. Similarly with the chapters on operative fetoscopy and sacro-coccygeal teratoma.
Harrison’s chapter on surgically correctable fetal disease provides an excellent historical description of fetal surgery in his honest and readable style. There are many lessons from his carefully planned approach to diaphragmatic hernia and the ultimately insurmountable problems.
There are several chapters which are likely to be outside the area of interest of many ultrasonologists such as drug treatments for fetal disease, and prenatal therapy for inborn areas of metabolism.
There are two chapters on ethics, the first being by Fletcher. This is a very USA centric paper. He highlights the importance of sentience but frustratingly for those in the field suggests that this occurs “sometime mid to late second trimester” without discussing why he chooses this time.
The final chapter by Chervenak and McCullough discuss directive counselling regarding fetal therapy, raising many issues which warrant further discussion.
This book is recommended as an excellent overview on current fetal therapy by experts although it is disappointing that there is little follow-up.Reviewed by: Lachlan de Crespigny
Title: Atlas of Renal Ultrasonography
Editor: W Charles O’Neill
Publisher: WB Saunders Company
Published: 2000 ISBN 0 721 689 132
Approximate cost: $AU208.00This Atlas is a hardback book of 248 pages, with 29 chapters.Typically there are many images with the limited text well set out under headings of “sonography”, “interpretation” and “differential diagnosis”.
The table of contents appears comprehensive covering anatomy, parenchymal disease,cystic diseases,collecting system disorders,neoplastic diseases, vascular disorders, trauma and sonography of allografts.
So why did I find this book disappointing?
Firstly, the images are of markedly variable quality.Far too many images are poor, either as a function of the age of machine used, poor reproduction or, on occasions, simply poor technique. Many images have been sourced from journals ( all appropriately referenced).
Sometimes it is difficult to visualise the abnormalities described or be convinced of the points being made. Although some conditions are rare, and hence images are difficult to obtain, many of the poor images depict common conditions.
Secondly, apart from the very last chapter ( dealing with vascular complications of renal allografts) there is no doppler ultrasound.This is surprising, particularly as there is an entire section dedicated to vascular disorders.
There are some minor criticisms too. No correlation is made with other imaging modalities, which would be of benefit in the chapters dealing with neoplasms, stone disease and cysts.Ultrasound contrast agents are not mentioned once, and not one transrectal ultrasound is shown in the section dealing with prostate. The chapters dealing with trauma and renal allografts ( which appear towards the end of the book ) are better, but by that stage, the book had lost my attention.
The text ( being an atlas) is necessarily brief, but as a result does not make up for the shortcomings of the images. In any event, an atlas is always going to be judged on the quality of its images rather than its text. Unfortunately, I have trouble recommending this book.Reviewed by: Dr Rick Dowling
Title: Clinical Ultrasound: Comprehensive Text; Second Edition
Author/Editor: H Meire, D Cosgrove et al
Publisher: Churchill Livingstone
Published: 2001
Approximate cost: $AU1,163.00This three volume set, consisting of two abdominal and general volumes and a third obstetric and gynaecology volume, which can be purchased separately, supercedes the first edition published in 1992. As the editors state in the preface, ultrasound in the intervening period “has advanced at a dizzying pace”. The text draws on a wide range of sonologist, sonographer and scientific contributors from the United Kingdom, continental Europe and the USA, providing a broad perspective in the current practice of ultrasound.
Each volume has a large number of chapters with a uniform format. The novel approach of splitting each major topic area into several chapters (eg the renal tract is covered by six chapters; ‘The Normal Kidney’, ‘Medical and Infectious Renal Diseases’, ‘Renal Masses and Trauma’, ‘The Renal Collecting System’, ‘The Lower Urinary Tract’ and ‘Renal Transplants’), each having different authors, makes reading specific topics easy. The introduction page of each chapter provides a summary of headings, facilitating selective reading. Page layout liberally includes multiple headings, summary tables, diagrams and ultrasound images. The quality of images varies, although overall there are certainly abundant, well annotated and presented images mostly of up-to-date standard. It is pleasing to see colour images treated as a routine part of ultrasound imaging throughout the text.
The inclusion of chapters dedicated to the chest, the anterior abdominal wall, the skin, the peritoneum and retroperitoneum, the adrenals and the lymph nodes attest to the comprehensive nature of this text. Topics such as endoluminal, endoscopic and paediatric hip ultrasound are not given specific chapters, but are covered in other chapters.
The musculoskeletal system chapter describes an area of ultrasound which has advanced considerably since the publication of the first edition of this text. Coverage of ultrasound findings is comprehensive, however the absence of scanning technique and applied anatomy details of the rotator cuff is disappointing.
An entire volume is dedicated to Obstetric and Gynaecological Ultrasound, providing a thorough and up to date reference manual. A separate chapter is dedicated to each of the major system anomalies with a chromosomal marker chapter. One criticism of a text titled “Clinical Ultrasound” is that there is no overall chapter written from a clinical perspective discussing the current role of ultrasound in the management of pregnancy. Specifically, a discussion on current trends for numbers of scans during pregnancy and when they should be performed would be relevant in an era of increasing ultrasound quality.
Despite some minor criticisms, this text provides an excellent overview of the current status of ultrasound in clinical practice. It would be a valuable resource in any ultrasound department and if one were to invest in only one major text, this would not disappoint.Reviewed by: Matthew Andrews
Title: Abdominal Ultrasound - A practitioner’s guide
Author: Kathryn A Gill
Publisher: WB Saunders Company
Year: 2001
Approximate cost: $AU223.00This 470 page hardcover text is an attractively presented and well-illustrated book. The majority of the contributors are very experienced sonographers and sonographer educators and the text is aimed directly at the student sonographer. There are many design features that are intended to make the reading and study of the text enjoyable and as easy as possible. Numerous coloured summary text boxes highlight important points, a very good glossary is provided and each chapter has a self-review quiz with detailed explanations of the correct answer provided at the back of the book. A series of anatomy labelling exercises are also provided to help the student sonographer learn the basic anatomy.
The text is divided into three sections. Section one is a three chapter introductory section with easy to read, basic information relating to points such scan planes, labelling, definitions and transducer manipulation techniques. An overview of the role and basic principles of other imaging modalities is provided in chapter 2 and would be of particular use to student sonographers not from a diagnostic radiography background. Apart from a brief description of some common B-mode artifacts there is no section on basic physics information other than that provided in chapter 3, which is a whole chapter on Doppler basics. It’s a quite good overview chapter but I thought it seemed a little out of place.
Section three forms the main part of the text with 11 individual organ system specific chapters. Each chapter includes an overview description of relevant anatomy and main relevant pathology tests. Descriptions of the main pathologies associated with each organ system are concise, easy to read and aimed at the student sonographer, rather than experienced medical personnel. The topics covered in the individual chapters are; abdominal vascular sonography, liver, gallbladder and biliary tree, pancreas, kidneys and bladder, spleen, non-routine views, thyroid, breast, scrotum and prostate. The chapter on non-routine views covers areas such as the retroperitoneum, abdominal wall and adrenal glands and provides a well-illustrated overview of these areas. The chapters on breast, thyroid, scrotum and prostate again provide a good overview although it seems odd, to me, to include these areas in a text on abdominal ultrasound.
The final section on emerging trends has two interesting chapters on abdominal applications of ultrasound contrast agents and abdominal applications of intraoperative sonography. These chapters were easy to read, well-illustrated and provide a good overview of these topics.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and think it would be appealing and useful to student sonographers in the early stages of their training and in preparation for examinations. It would be a useful text for those individuals and departments involved in student training and teaching as the scanning tips, summary boxes and review questions would make useful teaching resources.Reviewed by: Margo Harkness
Title: Vascular Ultrasound of the Neck - An Interpretive Atlas
Authors: Antonio Alayon and William McKinney
Publishers: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins,
Published: Philadelphia 2001
Approximate cost: $AU303.60This recent publication is an attempt to convey the vast body of information of cerebrovascular ultrasound (predominantly of the neck) in a concise atlas format. It is a lavish, glossy production of 146 pages with the bulk of the text presented in a legend format to Doppler spectral and ultrasound images. The book is written by Antonio Alayon and William McKinney, the latter author highly regarded in the field of cerebrovascular ultrasound medicine.
Each chapter is centered around a specific theme, including separate chapters on normal ultrasound vascular anatomy. In keeping with its primary purpose as a teaching and reference guide, each chapter finishes with a section entitled “Pearls and Pitfalls” in which key items of information used in every day practice to avoid diagnostic error are again highlighted. To ensure that there has been some knowledge retention, each chapter finishes with a list of multiple choice questions (the answers are also provided!) There is also a full list of references for those wishing to undertake further reading.
The book begins with the procedure for undertaking a clinical interview, including measurement of blood pressure and palpation of arterial pulses, and a demonstration of diagnostic ultrasound technique. This is followed by a chapter of the normal anatomy of the aortic arch and carotid system, with the focus on grey scale imaging to establish normal vascular anatomy of the neck.
The chapter on “Normal Hemodynamics” is pitched at a very basic level and probably would have benefited from further elaboration on some of the physical principles of vascular haemodynamics such as the interrelation between flow, pressure and blood vessel calibre.
The chapter on carotid arterial pathology uses ultrasound criteria for grading carotid artery stenosis that will not be familiar to most ASUM members, and reflects the system used at Wake Forest University, North Carolina. Carotid stenosis is graded in intervals of 50-74%, 75-94%, 95-99% and takes the somewhat unusual stance of defining a critical stenosis as “greater than 75% diameter narrowing”. Readers will be more familiar with the ASUM criteria which has (I believe) a more logical interval categorisation. This is particularly relevant given that the clinical trials for carotid stenosis have determined that 70% is the critical cut-off for defining moderate vs severe carotid stenosis, and therefore the need for carotid endarterectomy. The other issue relevant here is that the transcranial Doppler is also helpful in defining the severity of internal carotid artery stenosis (eg with reversal of flow across the Circle of Willis). Given that the accurate definition of carotid stenosis is of such clinical importance, a brief description of the haemodynamic principles involved would also have been helpful eg explaining why blood flow decreases as the stenosis becomes critical).
The book gives an excellent description and images of the various morphological aspects of the carotid plaque. There is a chapter on the different vascular anatomical variants that are encountered in everyday practice as well as a chapter on Doppler spectral and imaging artifacts. This is an important area that is often overlooked but is a common (and avoidable) source of error.
For all its excellent images this book does however have some shortcomings. Surprisingly, there is no discussion or presentation of power Doppler and its use in carotid imaging. There is also no mention of newer ultrasound techniques such as harmonic imaging or the use of the echocontrast agents.
In summary, this book is an excellent reference source for sonographers starting to learn about vascular ultrasound of the head and neck, or for those looking to refresh their knowledge of this area. It is of lesser value for those with established expertise who may require a greater depth of knowledge and discussion.Reviewed by: Christopher F Bladin
Title: The Practice of Breast Ultrasound
Author: Helmut Madjar
Collaborator: Jack Jellins
Publisher: Thieme
Published: 2000 ISBN 3–13-124341-4
Pages: 254
Illustrations: 366
Approximate cost: $AU205.00It is a long time since I sat down and read a book cover to cover and in fact I probably never have, but if one was going to, this is an excellent book to start with. It has something for everyone and everyone can gain something by reading all sections. Dr Helmut Madjar has worked in the field of breast imaging and diagnosis since the early 1980s. He is a leading authority in breast ultrasound and an excellent teacher. The book aims to improve the reader’s ability to interpret breast ultrasound images and promotes a standardised examination technique. It is easy to read and well set out, being ordered into beginner, intermediate and advanced sections according to the German requirements and best of all not dedicating too much of the book to physics. The beginner’s section emphasises a standard approach to the normal breast. The intermediate section covers all the usual pathology with good insights into traps for the unwary. The advanced section covers specialised areas including intervention, staging and some of the newer techniques such as 3D and Doppler.
Relevant clinical information is given as well as a clear indication of what needs follow up. It adopts a sensible approach to mammographic correlation but, not surprisingly, is biased towards ultrasound. Its use of key points and summaries, and many illustrations means the reader can choose the depth at which they wish to explore the book. The highlighted key points are also excellent for a quick pre-exam refresher. In the intermediate section, the numerous pictures are accompanied by sample reports in point form to help the beginners realise what to put in and encourage uniformity of reporting in the more experienced.
The only omission was the absence of a chapter on the male breast. In this age of men being more health aware, a chapter on the male breast would have been welcome.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed browsing through the book. It is of use in both the diagnostic and the breastscreen setting. The large number of high quality pictures make this not only a valuable text for the novice but also a useful departmental reference book for the quick comparative pathology search prior to giving out one’s trademark authoritative report.
Reviewed by: Cheryl BassTitle: Ultrasonography in Obstetrics and Gynecology: A Practical Approach
Editors: CB Benson, PH Arger, EI Bluth
Publisher: Thieme
Published: 2000 ISBN 3-13-125361-4
Approximate cost: $AU142.00This 235-page text is edited by a group of well-known authors and has contributions by another 25 authors, most of whom are familiar experts in the ultrasound field. The text was developed from material presented at a special course on ultrasound at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Annual Meeting in 1996. This book is a sub-set text of a book previously reviewed (ASUM Bulletin 4:2;27 May 2001), Ultrasound: A Practical Approach to Clinical Problems, Edited by Bluth, Arger, Benson, Ralls and Siegel.The text is a 2000 publication and it would seem that much of the material has been updated since the 1996 RSNA course.
The focus of the text is on individual chapters providing an approach to common clinical problems and presentations in the areas of the female pelvis and obstetrics. There is one chapter on “The breast nodule: Sonographic characterization”. The aim of the book is to review the current state of sonography in regard to what the editors see as important clinical issues. It is therefore predominantly written with the clinical issue as the chapter title. For example, excellent chapters are included with titles such as “Family history of ovarian carcinoma”, “Vaginal bleeding - postmenopausal”, “Abnormal premenopausal bleeding: from menarche to menopause”, “Cervical sonography in premature labor”, “Triple marker screening positive for Down Syndrome” and “Tamoxifen”.
Radiologists are the primary target market for the text and it focuses more on clinical issues and possible diagnostic findings rather than on how-to-do an examination in a particular area. However there is wealth of information that is of equal importance to sonographers and the text is highly recommended for them. There is very good background clinical material on presenting signs, symptoms, other possible investigations and their role in relation to ultrasound. The chapters relating to abnormal Triple Screen results and the one on the sonographic evaluation of the fetus following teratogen exposure are particularly good examples of this, and would be of particular interest to those in general departments.
One disappointing feature, I thought, was that the chapter on “Uterine size less than dates” seemed a bit outdated and would appear not to have been updated since the 1996 RSNA course. The chapter started well with good definitions and explanations of the correct terminology in relation to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), but barely mentions the use and role of Doppler. Also, as the text is predominantly written by American authors, Australasian sonologists and sonographers need to be aware of some of the differences in clinical practice and expected standards between the USA and here. For example, the discussion on the role of sonography in the evaluation of raised maternal serum alpha fetoprotein is based on the American system and is not necessarily the same as the Australasian scenario. The chapter overall provides some very useful information however. Similarly (as is the case in many texts), the evaluation of the fetal cardiac outflow tracts is described as an optional extra, rather than as a standard part of the examination, as is the case in published Australasian standards.
An extensive series of high quality and interesting images are provided to complement the text. The text is well presented with extensive reference lists provided at the end of each chapter.
Overall, I found this an excellent text and would think it very suitable in any general ultrasound department. The text would be very appropriate for radiologists and radiology registrars. It would also be very applicable to all general sonographers and student sonographers, particularly those in the more advanced stages of their training. The detail is probably not comprehensive enough for those working in dedicated obstetric and gynecology departments, however as an easy to read overview text it would be of considerable value, particularly for those in training. This would be a valuable text for departments involved in ultrasound teaching and is strongly recommended.
Reviewed by: Margo HarknessTitle: Clinical Doppler Ultrasound
Editor: PL Allan, PA Dubbins, MA Pozniak, WN McDicken
Publisher: Churchill Livingstone
Year: 2000
Approximate cost: $AU150.00This 293 page paperback text on non-cardiac Doppler ultrasound is contributed to by physicists, radiologists and an obstetrician and gynaecologist.
It has the usual format of initial chapters on physics of Doppler, haemodynamics and blood flow. Chapters are then dedicated to carotid and vertebral arteries, peripheral arteries, peripheral veins, aorta and IVC, liver, kidney, renal transplantation, prostate, penis, scrotum, female pelvis and clinical applications in obstetrics. Each chapter follows a similar format of anatomy, Doppler technique followed by acomprehensive section on the application of Doppler ultrasound including a balanced assessment of its advantages and limitations.
High quality, appropriate and well-annotated illustrations and Doppler images, both colour and spectral are provided liberally throughout the text. Many chapters contain useful tables summarising major points.
The physics chapters are comprehensive and easily readable. The principles of contrast agents are explained, however the clinical chapters provide little on the applications of contrast agents.
The peripheral veins chapter has a practical discussion of all facets of ultrasound detection of deep venous thrombosis, which is not dissimilar to that found in many texts. In addition there is a well thought out section on varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, topics that are often not well covered in Doppler texts.
The beauty of this book is the simplicity with which it covers a wide range of applications of Doppler ultrasound. It is predominantly dedicated to specific vascular examinations, but does include some more general uses of Doppler such as the assessment of hepatic mass lesions, testicular neoplasms and prostate cancer. A minor criticism is that as Doppler has become an integral part of most general ultrasound examinations, a general discussion of the application of Doppler would be useful. The inclusion of the non-carotid neck (including thyroid, parathyroid and lymph nodes) and abdominal viscera other than the liver and kidney would have added to the comprehensiveness of the text.
That not withstanding, this well-priced text, which could be virtually used as a handbook, would make an extremely useful addition to any ultrasound department’s library.
Reviewed by: Matthew Andrews FRANZCRTitle: The Safe Use of Ultrasound in Medical Diagnosis
Editors: G. ter Haar and F.A. Duck
Publisher: BMUS and BIR
Year: 2000 ISBN 0-905749-42-1
Approximate cost: 20 pounds sterlingThis 120 page soft covered book provides an excellent overview of the issues involved in the safe use of ultrasound. Each chapter was contributed by one or more experts working in the field of ultrasound safety. It is a timely publication as there is now a greater emphasis on clinicians taking responsibility for risk assessment based on the possible bioeffects that are reported by the scientific community and the equipment output display of ‘safety indices’ provided by the manufacturer. As the editors point out, “ the primary purpose of this book is to inform users about the principles (of safety) and evidence on which this safe practice depends”.
The first three chapters deal with the manner in which an ultrasonic wave propagates in body tissues, how it interacts with tissues and how it is measured. This knowledge establishes the biophysical basis for the various safety issues in later chapters. The next three chapters (4, 5, and 6) describe the thermal and mechanical bioeffects of ultrasound and give useful information regarding the ‘on screen’ labelling (safety indices) that are now widely displayed on ultrasound scanners. The current status of bioeffects research is described in chapters 7 to 9, with chapter 8 devoted solely to the behaviour and safe use of contrast agents. The final two chapters (10 and 11) provide a good review of the regulations and recommendations regarding the use of diagnostic ultrasound.
The editors are to be commended for producing a very readable publication with an extensive list of references and some innovative educational features. These include a summary of the key points for each chapter and a series of summary statements for each paragraph along the highlighted side margins of each page. A glossary at the end of the book provides a useful guide to the technical terms that are used in the book. The only minor criticism I have is that the use of small margins at the top and bottom of each page make some of the pages appear daunting.
In conclusion, I would strongly recommend this book as a comprehensive and yet succinct summary of the safety issues in diagnostic ultrasound and would be very useful to clinicians, those in clinical training and research scientists. It is interesting to note that the British Medical Ultrasound Society thought so highly of it that it provided each member of its society with a free copy.
Reviewed by: Gil Vella PhDTitle: Ultrasound: A Practical Approach to Clinical Problems
Editors: EI Bluth, PH Arger, CB Benson, PW Ralls, MJ Siegel
Publisher: Thieme
Year : 2000 ISBN 3-13-116831-5
Approximate cost: $AU315.25This 650-page text is edited by a group of well-known authors and has contributions by another 60 authors, most of whom are familiar experts in the ultrasound field. The text was developed from material presented at a special course on ultrasound at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Annual Meeting in 1996. The text is a 2000 publication and it would seem that much of the material has been updated since the 1996 RSNA course.
The focus of the text is on individual chapters providing an approach to common clinical problems and presentations. It covers a wide area with 8 sections including: The Abdomen; Male Genital System; Female Pelvis; Obstetric Patient; Pediatric Patient; Vascular System; Musculoskeletal System; and Superficial Organs. The largest of the sections are the abdomen (12 chapters), female pelvic (7 chapters) and obstetric sections (13 chapters). The aim of the book is to review the current state of sonography in regard to what the editors see as important clinical issues. It is therefore predominantly written with the clinical issue as the chapter title. For example, excellent chapters are included with titles such as “Sonography in the evaluation of abnormal liver function tests”, “The evaluation of erectile dysfunction”, “Triple marker screening positive for Down Syndrome” and “Tamoxifen”.
Radiologists are the primary target market for the text and it focuses more on clinical issues and possible diagnostic findings rather than on how-to-do an examination in a particular area. However there is wealth of information that is of equal importance to sonographers and the text is highly recommended for them. There is very good background clinical material on presenting signs, symptoms, other possible investigations and their role in relation to ultrasound. The chapters on the male genital system, female pelvis and obstetrics are particularly good in this regard.
The sections on the vascular system, musculoskeletal system and superficial organs are brief, compared to other sections, and are not meant to be comprehensive. These sections do provide a good overview of the common clinical problems in these areas though, and are well worth reading. A good and interesting overview chapter on Intraoperative Ultrasound is included.
One disappointing feature, I thought, was that the chapter on “Uterine size less than dates” seemed a bit outdated and would appear not to have been updated since the 1996 RSNA course. The chapter started well with good definitions and explanations of the correct terminology in relation to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), but barely mentions the use and role of Doppler. Also, as the text is predominantly written by American authors, Australian sonologists and sonographers need to be aware of some of the differences in clinical practice and expected standards between the USA and here. For example, the discussion on the role of sonography in the evaluation of raised maternal serum Alpha Fetoprotein is based on the American system and is not necessarily the same as the Australian scenario. The chapter overall provides some very useful information however. Similarly (as is the case in many texts), the evaluation of the fetal cardiac outflow tracts is described as an optional extra, rather than as a standard part of the examination, as is the case in published Australian standards.
An extensive series of high quality and interesting images are provided to complement the text. The text is well presented with extensive reference lists provided at the end of each chapter.
Overall, I found this an excellent text and would think it very suitable in any general ultrasound department. The text would be very appropriate for radiologists and radiology registrars. It would also be very applicable to all general sonographers and student sonographers, particularly those in the more advanced stages of their training. This would be a valuable text for departments involved in ultrasound teaching and is strongly recommended.
Reviewed by: Margo HarknessTitle: Interventional Ultrasound in Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and the Breast
Author/Editor:Lemery D & Santolaya-Forgas J
Publisher: Blackwell Science
Year: 1998
Approximate cost: $AU251.00This book provides an excellent overview of interventional ultrasound in obstetrics and has a useful section on gynaecology. It also includes three chapters on intervention on breast ultrasound. It is well presented, the chapter topics appropriately designed with little overlap, and the texts presents a balanced perspective and a useful summary of the literature.
Chapter I is an important summary of ethics and the law. Many important issues are raised but in the space of nine short pages there are too many issues to do justice to them. The ethical issues related to multiple pregnancy, including fetal reduction, are covered in half a page.
Chapters III and IV are discussions on general technique of ultrasound guided procedures. These are important for those training in the field and represent a good overview.
Chapter V explores the important issue of fetal analgesia. It highlights that fetal analgesia often receives little consideration. Even before there is fetal awareness there can be fetal autonomic and humoral responses which if not considered may increase the risk of the procedure.
The chapters on CVS, Amniocentesis and Fetal Blood Sampling provide excellent summaries of the literature and are packed with information. I fail to understand, However, how 15 years after the advent of interventional ultrasound procedures that skilled operators can advocate the use of a dye injected as a marker into the sac of the first twin at amniocentesis, particularly following the disasters of methylene blue dye.
Much of the Fetal Treatment chapter was presented as either experimental material (such as amniotic fluid and fetal pressure measurements, and umbilical cord catheterisation) or were presented only briefly (such as twins and multi-fetal reduction).
The most valuable chapter in the gynaecologic intervention section was that on ovarian cyst aspiration. The issues were thoroughly explored and discussed with clear recommendations presented. Since this is the most common and most controversial of the gynaecologic intervention procedures, a knowledge of this debate is critical to anybody who aspirates ovarian cysts. The authors believe that the technique has only a small place.
It was disappointing that saline infusion sonohysterography was not discussed fully. This interventional technique is increasingly gaining an important place in gynaecologic ultrasound practice yet was only briefly mentioned in this book. Other procedures such as treatment of ectopic pregnancy, metroplasty and laparoscopic ultrasound are discussed more fully while there is an extensive section on ultrasound in IVF. Ultrasound is perhaps underutilized in urogynaecology and the chapter on this topic discusses wide ranging issues.
I see this as an important book for those training in interventional procedures in obstetrics and gynaecology. These individuals would normally be obstetricians and gynaecologists in sub specialist training. For others, this book would be a useful reference book to be read when particular issues arise - such as when an ovarian cyst aspiration might be considered. The book is to be recommended as providing a worthwhile overview of this difficult topic to this relatively small group of medical practitioners.
Reviewed by: Lachlan de CrespignyTitle: Echoenhancers and Transcranial Colour Duplex Sonography
Authors: U Bogdahn, G Becker, F Schlachetzki
Publisher: Blackwell Science
Year: 1998
Approximate cost: $AU359.00The development of transcranial Doppler (TCD) in the late 1970s, and later transcranial colour Duplex (TCCD), were major advance in our ability to visualize and assess the haemodynamic status of the cerebrovascular circulation. The advent of echocontrast agents in the late 1980s advanced this process, further improving the quality of vascular imaging, in particular the cerebral vessels of the circle of Willis and beyond.
It is therefore timely that this publication provides a focus on both these areas. The book commences with a number of Chapters giving detailed description of the physics of ultrasound (including interaction with tissue interfaces), and transducer technology and signal processing. Occasionally the sequence is a little askew (the section on the Doppler effect could have preceded the discussion on transducer technology) and at times repetitive, a legacy no doubt of multiple authorship. The new technique of 3D transcranial imaging is also discussed in some detail, but for all the complex technology and image processing required there appears to be no apparent practical advantages in the improved image quality, even with the use of echocontrast agents.
The chapters on harmonic imaging indicate the rapid developments that have occurred in ultrasound over the past few years. Over a very short space of time this has become an accepted technique for improving the ability to image the vasculature by improving the signal to noise ratio. However, as this book details, there are a plethora of even more advanced "harmonic" techniques awaiting us including transient harmonic imaging (reducing the frequency of ultrasound pulses resulting in less microbubble destruction and therefore greater contrast), and localization (LOC) imaging (exposure of particular echocontrast agents to high-power colour Doppler to allow imaging of the microvascular compartment, or tissue perfusion imaging). The caveat with all these techniques is that the applicability to transcranial Doppler ultrasound has yet to be determined.
The coverage of the first half of the book is quite comprehensive and while much of the physics and mathematical formulae will not be of great interest to the average reader it does act as a valuable resource should reference be required.
The second part of the book focuses on the clinical applications of TCCD and echocontrast agents. There is excellent detail provided on the parenchymal images seen at different levels of the brain with correlation with the corresponding MRI and post-mortem anatomical levels. The cerebral vasculature seen on TCCD and power-Doppler modalities is also presented. The utility of TCCD in a variety of cerebrovascular and neurological conditions is covered in some detail but, although perhaps beyond the scope of this book, a brief reference to the clinical techniques of cerebral emboli detection and cerebrovascular vasomotor reserve testing would have been of value.
Overall, this is an authoritative text on the physics and clinical applications of TCCD and echocontrast agents. It is recommended for those with an interest in this rapidly growing area of ultrasound imaging.
Reviewed by: Chris BladinTitle: Review Questions for Ultrasound; A Sonographer's exam guide
Authors: Miller-Chase-Anthony-Ostrow
Publisher: Parthenon
Year: 1998
Approximate cost: $AU67.50This 175 page soft cover text is especially aimed at sonographers preparing for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) examinations but the style and concept would be equally suitable for any student of ultrasound. The book contains a series of 600 multiple choice style questions and answers covering physics and instrumentation, the abdomen, obstetrics and gynecology and a brief section on small parts (neck, breast and scrotum).
A major positive feature is the provision of the answers with often quite detailed explanations as to why a particular response is correct or incorrect. This provides, for the most part, a valuable learning and revision resource. A major drawback however, is that there are several answers which are not correct. I found three incorrect answers in the first 28 questions in the physics section. Whilst I only found one other minor error in the rest of the text this is not really an acceptable standard in a text aimed at testing a students knowledge and for this reason I cannot recommend this book.
The errors are unfortunate because the concept, layout, style and range of questions and the little attempts at light-hearted humor, in some of the questions, are positive features. For those students preparing for exams who are prepared to indulge in a little "spot the mistakes", the rest of the book would provide good revision and examination technique practice.
Reviewed by: Margo HarknessTitle: Textbook of Fetal Ultrasound
Editors: Richard Jaffe and The-Hung Bui
Publisher: Parthenon
Year: 1999
ISBN 1-85070-017-6
Approximate cost: $AU122.25This brightly coloured book of 327 pages is a concise overview of the place of fetal ultrasound, with the bonus of strong clinical comment. There are 35 contributors, predominantly from America, Israel and South Africa. In 20 chapters, there is densely packed information backed up by an extensive, current bibliography. The concise format allows for breadth of topic cover, but often precludes more detailed discussion.
With so many authors the pitch of each chapter is inevitably varied. The chapter on fetal echocardiography gives the best approach to this field that I have seen. There are ample, well structured, diagrams. There is a one page flow chart for evaluating abnormal views, which the authors recommend hang beside each machine. The chart deserves to be widely reproduced.
The chapters on growth restriction and macrosomia were excellent reviews of clinical problems. They address the obstetrician's perspective, rather than tired discussions of biometry, and give additional ultrasound measures to sort these high-risk patients. They also discuss current shortfalls.
The first chapter on physics suffers from omissions of harmonics and safety. A solid chapter on invasive procedures was clearly written prior to publication of two major studies on early amniocentesis. Rather than a rewrite of this page, a disappointing shortcut of a closing ten line 'update' paragraph was taken. I found the five pages devoted to CTG and contraction stress testing to be an extravagance in a chapter on ultrasound fetal assessment that did not discuss middle cerebral or uterine artery Doppler.
Aside from the four pages of colour images, the quality of ultrasound images was surprisingly poor, giving a photocopier-like result. This is not, however, the focus of this book. Overall it provides a very good readable, current review at modest price. It is not a first text, but one to extend a departmental or personal library. The clinical pitch is relevant to radiologist and obstetrician alike.
Reviewed by: Jacqueline Oldham MBBS FRACOG DDUTitle: Practical Head and Neck Ultrasound
Editors : Anil Ahuja and Rhodri Evans
Publisher: Greenwich Medical Media Ltd
Australian Agent: Blackwell Sciences Asia Pty Ltd
Year: 2000
ISBN:1-900-151-995
Approximate cost: $AU140.00This book arose from the course notes produced by Anil Ahuja and Rhodri Evans for the annual Head and Neck Ultrasound Workshop held at Morriston Hospital, Swansea. The editors have written four of the nine chapters.The remaining chapters are by sonologists except for one chapter by two maxillofacial surgeons at Morriston Hospital.
The introductory chapter is a concise and clear exposition of anatomy that a sonologist needs. Subsequent chapters are on the salivary glands, thyroid, larynx, lymph nodes, biopsy techniques, carotid Doppler and "What the surgeon needs to know". The chapters are well written and, despite having many authors, have a consistent quality and clarity. There is liberal use of boxes to summarise important points. The chapter "Lumps and bumps in the head and neck" is a novel method of answering queries that are posed in daily scanning. The chapter on the larynx was an eye-opener. The chapter by the maxillofacial surgeons is informative and pertinent. The quality of the ultrasound images is excellent .The references at the end of each chapter are up to date.
In conclusion this is a well produced book which will be in daily use in our practice. At $ 140 it is excellent value.
Reviewed by: Iain Stewart MRCP (UK), FRCRTitle: Three-Dimensional Ultrasound
Author/Editor: TR Nelson, D B Downey et al
Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Year: 1999
Approximate cost: $AU79.95This beautifully presented book should be considered for purchase by anybody thinking of commencing work in 3D ultrasound. The book has many strengths. The layout of the chapters is well structured to assist the reader absorbing the fundamentals. Each chapter commences with an overview and then a point summary of the key concepts. At the end of each chapter, and when relevant at the end of sub-sections, is a "how to do it" section which is most useful. There are large numbers of excellent illustrations presented throughout the text. The illustrations are carefully planned to demonstrate specific points, they are appropriately labelled with some line diagrams which make the images readily interpretable. In addition, there are frequent tables that highlight the advantages and disadvantages of 3D ultrasound in particular clinical areas.
It is particularly pleasing to note the clinical perspective presented by the authors. Throughout the book they demonstrate a breadth of understanding of both the physics and regions of the body under discussion. This enables them to clearly spell out the benefits and disadvantages of 3D in the various organ systems and for particular diseases. This book not only demonstrates the appealing images that can be produced with the technology but also offers a clear clinical perspective - the clinical segments provide extensive summaries and references of published works. The book demonstrates that no longer can one question that there is clinical merit of 3D ultrasound in making some diagnoses, but there is clearly much work to be done to resolve the extent of the impact that 3D ultrasound will have on clinical management.
The first chapter started very badly. The first key concept is that "the primary role of visualisation in medicine is to provide the physician with information". Also in the first chapter "physicians need these imaging systems for their own insight….". One unfortunate side of specialisation in imaging is that one becomes focused on the imaging technology and the information that can be gleaned. Th