Peter Holt Avni FE (ed): Perinatal imaging:from Ultrasound to MR imaging

Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, 2002,304 pages, 420 illustrations, hardcover(ISBN 3-540-67327-x) €129.00

Published online: 20 February 2003� Springer-Verlag 2003

Type of book: Multiple author textproviding an overview of prenataland perinatal imaging.Contents: This book is similar to

other texts on the subject in its or-ganizaton. The initial chapters con-centrate on normal obstetrical andfetal evaluation, followed by a seriesof chapters discussing abnormalitiesorganized by body system. The finalchapters discuss other indicationsfor perinatal imaging evaluation,including infection, chromosomalabnormalities, and tumors. Also in-cluded are chapters involving con-sideration of twin pregnancy andfetal hydrops.Strengths: The book is very well

organized by chapter and subjectand further subdivided into specificclinical and pathologic entities. Itthereby serves as a useful quick ref-erence for these entities. It is liberallyillustrated and referenced through-out, which helps guide and encour-

age more extensive reading on aparticular subject.Weaknesses: A criticism of this

text is that, despite its title, it is pri-marily an ultrasound book. This canonly be considered a minor weak-ness, however, since ultrasound isstill the modality almost exclusivelyused for initial evaluation of preg-nancy. Also, MR images, plain filmradiography, and CT images areutilized where appropriate and havealready been described in the imag-ing literature.Recommended readership: This

book serves as a good introductionand reference for those with limitedexperience in perinatal imaging. Italso provides a good overall discus-sion of the current status of thistopic and would be valuable readingfor both practicing radiologists andresidents alike.Overall grade: Excellent

Pediatr Radiol (2003) 33: 289DOI 10.1007/s00247-002-0863-8 BOOK REVIEW

P. HoltDepartment of Radiology,Columbia University,New York, NY, USA