As paediatric radiologists we have long been familiar with the case-based teaching format, which has proved to be one of our main educational techniques, along with lectures, reading the literature and other methods intended to capture the student’s attention. This is the technique that forms the foundation of “Chest Imaging Case Atlas (2nd edn).”

FormalPara Type of book

The core of the book is made up of 193 cases of chest pathology presented in a practical, clinically relevant approach and image-rich format that replicates how radiology is practised every day.

FormalPara Contents

The book is divided into 13 sections followed by the index. The authors follow a fairly rigid outline to build the text. Each section begins with brief fundamentals, followed by the relevant case presented in a standardized format. Each case begins with clinical presentation akin to the history provided on radiological requisitions, allowing the reader to make an assessment before the radiological findings are described and the diagnosis is revealed. Differential diagnoses and discussion follow, including background, aetiology, clinical findings and the range of imaging findings for the diagnosis presented, management and prognosis. Pearls are provided to further enhance the understanding of the case presented and expand its scope. The sections include: normal thoracic anatomy (pp 1–52), developmental anomalies (pp 53–126), airways diseases (pp 127–193), atelectasis (pp 195–260), pulmonary infections and aspiration pneumonia (pp 261–360), neoplastic disease (pp 361–409), thoracic trauma (pp 411–503), diffuse lung disease (pp 505–592), occupational lung disease (pp 593–610), adult cardiovascular disease (pp 611–742), abnormalities of the mediastinum (pp 743–815), pleura, chest wall and diaphragm (pp 817–887) and finally a thorough study of the post-thoracotomy chest (pp 889–933). The appropriate subject balance provides the book with a noteworthy harmony. Suggested reading is provided at the end of every case.

FormalPara Strengths

The book is splendidly illustrated with up-to-date radiographs, 64-MDCT CT scans, and multiplanar CT, CT angiographic and some MR and 3-D imaging. More than 1,500 high-quality images make the reading easy and pleasant. The captions are concise and significant. The text is outstanding and straightforward. The specific case diagnosis is no longer listed immediately after the case number (as it was in the previous edition) and the authors have shortened the use of the case presentation annotations to allow the reader to practise film reading and approach the diagnosis. Paediatric radiologists would be particularly interested in sections I–IV and XI, but they would also appreciate the remaining sections. The section on adult cardiovascular disease includes a thorough study of circulatory assist devices and of the total artificial heart. Of particular interest in this book is the chapter on the post-thoracotomy chest, which addresses normal postoperative findings and complications associated with common thoracic interventional procedures.

FormalPara Weaknesses

It is hard to detect any deficiency in this teaching book based on a case approach. Indeed, this book is not intended to be a reference book on chest imaging with an in-depth discussion of the whole thoracic pathology. But the cases are carefully chosen because they encompass the spectrum of usual as well as sometimes exceptional pathologies encountered in day-to-day practice.

FormalPara Recommendation

This book is a wonderful addition to any radiology or chest diseases library. Radiological trainees might find this a very helpful resource when learning to read chest films or prepare for their board examinations. In addition, this book should be available wherever radiologists, body imagers or internists have to cover what the authors nickname “the chest service”.

FormalPara Overall grade

Outstanding.