Ultrasonography of the prenatal and neonatal Brain 2/e 2001

Timor-Tritsch, Ilan E.

Monteagudo, Ana

Cohen, Harris L.

  

 Garin Tomaszewski,  MD  (University of Colorado Health Sciences Center)     Description   This book, updated from the first edition published in 1996, is a comprehensive reference covering the embryology, anatomy, and pathology of the fetal and neonatal brain and application of ultrasound to this field. Of note are the extensive incorporation of charts, diagrams, and graphics to illustrate a complex and very visual subject.    Purpose   The book seeks to provide an authoritative discussion of the many aspects of prenatal and neonatal neuroultrasound, and admirably updates several areas that continue to develop with advances in therapies and innovations in ultrasound itself. These goals are well met, but the didactic format is sometimes dry and the comprehensive nature of chapters leads to (acknowledged) overlap.     Audience   The work greatly benefits from a varied selection of contributors including obstetricians, pediatricians, radiologists, and sonographers, providing a rounded perspective and high level of expertise in a specialized field. Commensurate with this, the writing is at a high level, intended for practitioners from the diverse fields that use this imaging.     Features   Extensive coverage is given to the anatomy and pathology of the developing brain, as well as technique, biometry, and interpretation of applied ultrasound. Real life ultrasound images are plentiful and the extensive charts and detailed diagrams of how pertinent images were obtained make this a particularly valuable reference tool.     Assessment   Clearly a valuable reference, few practitioners will use all chapters and the writing requires some familiarity with the subject matter. Much of the updated material is somewhat forward looking, again targeting the book toward the specialists who will have the greatest access to these advances. Overall, this is a valuable addition for a select audience.