The Bookshelf

Case-Based Nuclear Medicine,2nd Edition

K.J. Donohoe and A.D. Van den Abbeele. ThiemeMedical Publishers Inc., New York, NY, 2011,600 pp, 442 tables/figures/illustrations, paperback,$99.99.

In this second edition, authors Donohoe and Van den Abbeele

present a collection of 166 nuclear medicine cases with

brilliant images and thoughtful discussion. The book targets

radiology and nuclear medicine residents who are both

learning the basics and preparing for their examinations.

The main strength of the book lies in the image quality,

interpretation, and in-depth case discussions.

Images are large and many are in full color. The authors

included several other imaging modalities beyond nuclear

medicine that help to demonstrate a realistic workup. A dedi-

cated image interpretation section is included in each case, a

feature that should be included with all radiology case review

books. Unique to Case-Based Nuclear Medicine is the extensive

focus on understanding physiologic imaging and study

technique. Each case includes a technique section that

describes what tracers were used and how the images were

acquired. Although the technique section can be very

repetitive (eg, bone scans typically have the same technique

and therefore the section is identical for all 20 + cases), this sec-

tion is very helpful for the radiology residentwho often lacks in

real-world experience with nuclear medicine study protocols.

The book is organized differently from most case review

books, containing 14 sections based primarily on anatomy.

The sections include: skeletal, cardiac, pulmonary, endocrine,

renal, biliary, lymphatic, central nervous system, gastrointesti-

nal, vascular, and pediatric scintigraphy. Additional sections

dedicated to positron emission tomography/computed

tomography, neuroendocrine, inflammation/infection, and

radioisotope therapy are included. A helpful appendix

summarizing the pertinent properties of the common nuclear

medicine tracers is included at the end of the book.

Each case is presented as an unknown with a brief clinical

history and relevant images. Next, the imaging protocol

and technique is described, followed by image interpretation,

differential diagnosis, clinical information, and discussion.

All cases end with a ‘‘pearls and pitfalls section’’ that serves

to highlight the important aspects of the case. For those

inclined to dig deeper, each case also provides multiple

references.

Case-Based Nuclear Medicine shares many of the great

features found in the RadCases series, also published by

Grading Key: ++++ = excellent+++ = good++ = fair+ = poor

Thieme. It differs in layout and the discussion section of

each case is formatted in typical paragraph layout, with no

bullet points. The cases are typically longer and go more

in depth compared to the RadCases series. In real-world

use, this 550-page book functions more like a comprehen-

sive textbook than a quick review book. To complement

the broad nature of the book, Thieme is including 12 months

of online access to the excellent RadCases website. The

online software is compatible with desktop and mobile plat-

forms and features 250 additional high-yield nuclear medi-

cine cases.

In Case-Based Nuclear Medicine, the authors have stressed

an understanding of physiologic imaging essential to the

successful practice of nuclear medicine. The combination

of the more comprehensive Case-Based Nuclear Medicine

text with the online rapid review RadCases material is an

outstanding way to both learn and review the topic of nuclear

medicine.

Book:

Contents: +++Readability: +++

Utility: +++Overall Evaluation: +++Medical Students: +Radiology Residents: +++Radiology Fellows: +++General Practice Radiologists: ++1/2

Subspecialist Radiologists: ++1/2

Jarrod Dale, MDUniversity of Washington

Seattle, WA

Radcases Nuclear Medicine

D. Appelbaum, et al. Thieme Medical PublishersInc., New York, NY, 2011, 232 pp, 468 illustrations,paperback, $54.99.

In its first edition, RadCases Nuclear Medicine proves to be a

high-yield compact tool for a radiology resident or practicing

radiologist. Much like other books in the series, RadCases

Nuclear Medicine succeeds in presenting the reader with easily

digestible facts and excellent images. The book contains 100

high-yield cases, and each case contains multiple clear images.

What sets this series apart from other radiology casebooks is

the image quality, clear accurate description of the imaging

findings, and the concise, point-by-point presentation of the

essential facts using an easy to read bulleted format.

Each case typically begins with the relevant images and

clinical scenario. On the following page, the imaging findings

are described and there are typically multiple other supporting

images. A differential diagnosis is formulated and essential

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THE BOOKSHELF Academic Radiology, Vol 20, No 9, September 2013

facts about the case are reviewed. A key ‘‘Pearls and Pitfalls’’

section is included at the end of each case that helps reinforce

the pertinent aspects of the case relevant to clinical diagnosis

and patient management. Although the number of cases is

limited to 100 in the print edition, a variety of common

and uncommon presentations are covered. Several excellent

cases address current Nuclear Regulatory Commission guide-

lines in a very clear and concise method. At the end of the

book, the authors have included a valuable flow chart that

assists in recognizing whole-body scans. The authors have a

gifted way of presenting the highlights from each case or

scenario in a simple, abbreviated manner. They have distilled

the essences of each topic down to the ‘‘need to know’’ facts.

Each copy of RadCases Nuclear Medicine includes 12-month

access to Thieme’s excellent online resource. This outstanding

bonus includes an additional 150 cases in a searchable online

database. Also included is testing software that simulates taking

the cases in real time. Recently, Thieme has released a mobile

capable version of the software that works with portable devi-

ces, including smartphones and tablets with Android or iOS

operating systems. Although the user interface can sometimes

be a little slow and it is unfortunate the online access expires

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12 months after activation, this online content substantially

increases the value of the book.

RadCases Nuclear Medicine is an excellent tool for a radiol-

ogy resident preparing for their oral boards or the new

CORE exam. Practicing radiologists and fellows will also

find value in this relatively inexpensive review package.

Book:

Contents: ***

Readability: ***1/2

Utility: ***1/2

Overall Evaluation: ***1/2

Medical Students: *

Radiology Residents: ***1/2

Radiology Fellows: ***

General Practice Radiologists: ***

Subspecialist Radiologists: **

Jarrod Dale, MDUniversity of Washington

Seattle, WA