M.K. Kalra, S. Saini, and G.D. Rubin, eds.
New York, NY: Springer, 2008, 411 pages, $139
Over the past decade, CT technology has developed tremendously with the introduction of multidetector CT (MDCT) scanners to clinical imaging practice. The use of CT has continuously increased with newer applications, and the demand for better technology propels instrument vendors to develop further innovations in a relatively short time. Because of the constant and almost relentless progress in the technology of MDCT, many imaging practitioners and technologists have had difficulty in keeping up with developments. Thus, it seems natural for the editors of MDCT: A Practical Approach, published in 2006, to have updated and expanded their book into this new edition, MDCT: From Protocols to Practice. This book offers both new chapters and revised chapters.
This book is organized into 6 sections with 26 chapters. Section I, with 8 chapters, deals with the physics and techniques of MDCT. Section II, with 7 chapters; section III, with 6 chapters; and section IV, with 2 chapters, discuss MDCT of the abdomen, cardiovascular system, and head and neck, respectively. Section V, with 2 chapters, reviews MDCT of trauma, and section VI, with 1 chapter, handles pediatric MDCT. A new chapter on radiation dose includes the results from a recent investigation, and the chapter on contrast reactions is thoroughly revised. Another new chapter is on dual-source CT technology and its applications. New chapters on the use of contrast media in pregnancy and on MDCT of pediatric and obese patients highlight the book. New and unique chapters on PET/CT in abdominal malignancies and coronary diseases and on stent evaluation are also included.
The 254 figures are excellent in quality and quite illustrative, and the 67 tables, in light purple boxes, are informative. In keeping with global standardization, international standard units are used, such as kilograms instead of pounds for weight. The references in each chapter are well selected and updated. An appendix with more than 50 updated MDCT scanning protocols completes this new edition.
By emphasizing the practical aspects of MDCT, this book is an invaluable source of information for radiologists, physicists, and technologists in practice or in training. I highly recommend this book to medical libraries and to imaging physicians, scientists, and trainees dealing with MDCT.
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COPYRIGHT © 2009 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine, Inc.