Pediatric Neuroradiology: Clinical Practice Essentials

Asim F. Choudhri. Pediatric Neuroradiology: Clinical Practice Essentials. New York, NY: Thieme Medical Publishers; 2017 (266 pages). ISBN 978–1-62623–096–5. EUR 125.00 (e-book: eISBN 978–1-62623–097–5)

This is a one-author monograph by Prof. Asim F. Choudhri, Director of Neuroradiology, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis (Tennessee, United States). It is not meant to compete against the bibles of general or pediatric neuroradiology (as the textbook by A. James Barkovich and Charles Raybaud with over 1,100 pages). It is “focused for the individual who wishes to learn the foundation of pediatric neuroradiology,” deliberately not covering, for example, exceedingly rare tumors or metabolic disorders, and not intending to replace comprehensive reference texts. The addressees are in particular trainees and practitioners in the neuroscience field (radiology, neurology, pediatric neurology, and neurosurgery) and other areas (as ophthalmology and genetics).

The volume is organized into five parts (including 28 chapters): (1) Introduction to Pediatric Neuroradiology (covering the imaging techniques, (2) Brain Imaging, (3) Head and Neck Imaging, (4) Spine Imaging, and (5) Appendices. Overall, 817 figures serve as illustrations. The chapters are clearly arranged, each one is followed by hints to “Further Reading,” and (up to 20) selected references. The three appendices seem to me very informative and instructive. Appendix 1 is on protocols, covering suggestions for routine and optional sequences for particular topographies (as pituitary, internal auditory canal, brachial plexus) or clinical contexts (as hydrocephalus, skull/scalp lesion). Appendix 2 is on “Thoughts on dictation sample templates,” that is, hints to describe a finding and structure the report, providing sample reports. This approach—with the suggestions in the third appendix–results in a thorough, systematic evaluation and description. Appendix 3 is called “Quick Reference.” It is pointing to studies to perform important clinical information; where to double-check; pertinent positives and negatives; and follow-up recommendations.

In my view, the intention of the author is well achieved. The limitation to the essentials (in contrast to comprehensive lexical textbooks) is well declared. The book is easy to read, is clearly structured, the quality of printing and illustrations is excellent, and the value for money is acceptable.