Pediatric Pulmonology 15380 (1993)

Book Review -

Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance of the Thorax. By David P. Naidich, Elias A. Zerhouni, Stanley S. Siegelman, and Jerald P. Kuhn. New York: Raven Press, 1991,606 pp.

This is a remarkable book that provides an outstanding overview of cross-sectional imaging of the thorax. The emphasis is on anatomy and imaging as opposed to spe- cific conditions and their pathology. The first chapter is an excellent, indispensable overview of the principles and techniques of thoracic computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRl). There are many pearls in this chapter for the student of cross-sectional imaging. The other chapters are organized largely by anatomic divisions. While there is some overlap of con- tent, in general these divisions are appropriate and each chapter thoroughly covers its allotted task. Areas in- cluded are: mediastinum, airways. lobar collapse, pul- monary hila, focal lung disease, diffuse lung disease, pleura and chest wall, diaphragm, and the heart and peri- cardium. The chapters are well organized, with a review of imaging techniques and important anatomy, followed by indications and limitations of imaging, and the evalu- ation of specific diseases.

There are separate chapters on lung cancer and the

pediatric thorax. Although the chapter on the latter is well written, from the point of view of a pediatric radiologist it is quite inadequate. Portions of the other chapters do cover diseases that are applicable to the pediatric popula- tion. The chapter on the heart and pericardium is also a general overview with insufficient detail for anyone espe- cially interested in the area. Although MRI is covered in every section, in several it appears to be more of an afterthought, not integrated into the content of the book. There are plentiful illustrations that are well selected and of excellent quality; these are indispensable. However, the book would be improved by the addition of more tables, especially in the very good but complex chapter on diffuse lung disease.

In summary, this is an indispensable aid for the radiol- ogist interested in thoracic imaging and would also be extremely useful for radiology residents. Since the strong emphasis of this book is on anatomy and imaging, it is less valuable to clinicians than to radiologists.

-BEVERLEY NEWMAN, MD

Department of Radiology Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

0 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.