Jessie Aw, John Curtis (eds): Final FRCR 2B Long Cases: A Survival Guide

Cambridge University, UK, 2010, ISBN Paperback (ISBN-13: 9780521740692), £35

This is an excellent book for radiology residents approaching the FRCR 2B viva voce and long case examination. The book is split into 10 packets each containing 6 different cases. Each case starts with a clinical history accompanied by several radiographs from either the same or different imaging investigations. The radiographs are very good in quality and in demonstrating the important radiological signs related to each disease process. These signs are highlighted and explained in the discussion section of each case. In addition, important negative findings are mentioned, thereby helping the reader to narrow their differential diagnosis. This is very useful as it makes the reader think about what they should be looking for when confronted with similar cases in their daily practice. The different imaging techniques represented in some cases also help demonstrate how more information can be obtained by selecting the appropriate radiological investigation, thus demonstrating the strengths and limitations of different techniques. The disease process of each case is then reviewed in detail along with the appropriate management options. The wide breadth of disease processes and imaging modalities used in this book make it an excellent aid for those approaching the final FRCR and other radiological examinations.

Avnesh Thakor, Cambridge, UK

Fergus V. Coakley (ed): Pearls and pitfalls in abdominal imaging - pseudotumors, variants and other difficult diagnoses

Cambridge University Press, 2010, UK, ISBN 9780521513777, £65, US$ 99

‘Pearls and pitfalls in abdominal imaging’ describes 101 conditions in the abdomen and pelvis that could cause confusion and potential mismanagement in radiological practice.

The author takes the reader through the abdomen, from diaphragm to symphysis, and has grouped the cases by organ system and abdominal area. Artefacts, normal variants and pseudotumours that can mimic a lesion are described and the book provides a wide range of conditions that are under-recognised or have only recently been described. The cases presented in this book represent relevant problems in abdominal radiological practice; the author has only included cases that he has personally seen more than once and which could have serious clinical consequences if the imaging findings were to be misinterpreted.

The text for each case follows the same format (imaging description, importance, typical clinical scenario, differential diagnosis and teaching point) which makes them easy to read. Teaching points for each case are highlighted summarising the main findings and their importance. The book is very well illustrated; multiple examples of images of the described cases are shown, often demonstrating the findings on the various imaging investigations currently used in abdominal imaging (US, CT, MRI, PET).

This book serves as an easily used resource for challenging cases and confusing findings in abdominal radiology.

Nicky Peters, Utrecht, The Netherlands