Synopsis
As more and more practitioners are relying on ultrasound as an accepted, safe, and cost-effective diagnostic tool in everyday practice, its use in diagnosing abdominal problems is quickly increasing. This up-to-date edition includes coverage of basic anatomy, technique, and ultrasound appearances, in addition to the most common pathological processes. It serves as both a practical, clinically relevant manual and resource for professionals, as well as an invaluable textbook for students entering the field.
• Over 500 illustrations and high-quality scans clearly show abdominal anatomy.
• Practical and clinically relevant coverage addresses the concerns of both practitioners and students.
• Succinct, comprehensive chapters convey important points.
• Updated content and references reflect the most current, expert practice.
• Many full-color illustrations throughout provide true-to-life images of clinical conditions.
Andrew J. Taylor
This book provides many fine overview concepts related both to anatomy and technical aspects of abdominal sonography. The author sets out an ambitious task -- to provide a straightforward review of abdominal ultrasound in order to provide a perspective of ultrasound's strengths and limitations in the abdomen, while also providing a clinical perspective with regard to pathophysiology of disease states and management options for many entities. The reader, whether a novice or established sonographer, can readily gain much information from the text, tables, and excellent illustrations. Even medical students and nonradiology medical residents may find this format of interest. Frequently, a complex management topic is covered in a few sentences. Although this may give the reader some clinical perspective related to the ultrasound area being discussed, such an approach can be misleading. One illustration is the treatment options stated for gallstone disease. The author mentions ESWL and dissolution as possible options. These forms of treatment are extremely rare and do not warrant mention. It may be better for the author to provide more information related to his primary mission of covering abdominal ultrasound, rather than the holistic approach used throughout the book. Some concepts of pathophysiology related to disease processes at times are unclear or faulty. For example, the Mirrizzi syndrome has a contracted gallbladder which produces an extrinsic pressure or erosion of the adjacent common duct, not a dilated gallbladder as reported in the book. This book contains much useful information, but some misleading and incorrect information as well.