Final FRCR 2B Long Cases: A Survival Guide

J. Aw and J. Curtis, eds.

Cambridge, U.K.: Cambridge University Press, 2010, 385 pages, $60

The purpose of this pocket book is to present a series of imaging cases displaying a wide range of pathology, to help radiology candidates develop a format to discuss cases in a coherent approach and deliver a relevant differential diagnosis. These radiology candidates will be taking the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) part 2B examination, which is the final examination for fellowship. The final FRCR Part 2B examination consists of a reporting session, a rapid reporting session, and an oral examination. This guidebook concentrates only on the reporting session. The whole process for admission into the FRCR is described on the FRCR Web site.

This pocket book is the product of 12 contributing authors and is divided into 10 packets with 6 cases in each packet. The cases in each packet are assorted and of varying complexity. Each is discussed in a consistent format, consisting of imaging examination, findings, interpretation, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, management, a short discussion of the diagnosis, and a brief reference list.

Although aimed toward radiology residents preparing for the final radiology examination for the FRCR, this pocket book could also be used by non-FRCR radiology residents preparing for their final radiology examination in other countries. In addition, board-certified radiologists facing recertification could benefit from reading the material in this pocket book. Radiology reference libraries could also provide this pocket book for trainees.

Given the paper quality, the display of the images varies, with better images seen in those cases that use CT and MRI. Some of the plain images of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis are difficult to interpret given the image quality. However, this pocket book is aimed at the reporting session only.

No PET or PET/CT studies are available, nor are there cases involving child abuse, complex pelvic cases in a young woman, or cases involving quality assurance or interventional radiology. These types of cases may have been tested on other parts of the FRCR examinations.

The authors are commended for presenting this format to discuss these radiology cases, which should be introduced to and used by first-year residents. Other formats are also available in other teaching files, such as those provided by the American College of Radiology, those appearing in the American Journal of Roentgenology, and those posted on the Internet by other institutions.

• © 2011 by Society of Nuclear Medicine