Nuclear Cardiology : Practical Applications

From The Critics

Reviewer: Adam E Berman, M.D.(Ochsner Clinic Foundation)
Description: This book fills a notable void in the nuclear cardiology literature. As opposed to other works on the subject, this book is primarily directed at clinicians who incorporate nuclear imaging techniques into their practice of cardiovascular medicine. Although not an exhaustive work, this book covers all major aspects of nuclear cardiac imaging.
Purpose: The authors define the purpose of this book as to provide clinicians with a basic text covering all major issues surrounding the actual acquisition, interpretation, and clinical significance of nuclear cardiac imaging techniques. This is a very friendly introduction to the often bewildering world of nuclear physics and imaging. While maintaining an easy to read format, the authors strive to include clinically relevant material, easily applicable to patient care.
Audience: The authors' target audience includes trainees and practitioners who actively treat cardiac disease, including internists and cardiologists. Additionally, they also note that trainees and practitioners of radiology and nuclear medicine who interpret cardiac studies may benefit from this text as well. The authors are well recognized authorities on the subject, and provide a very user friendly text designed for clinicians of varied backgrounds.
Features: The content of this book is specifically designed for clinicians. Beginning with chapters dedicated to subjects such as indications for nuclear imaging, imaging in diabetics, and preoperative assessment, the authors' emphasis on patient care is clear. In contrast to other major nuclear cardiology books, this one devotes less time to description of radiation physics, and basic nuclear medicine. Instead, the authors dedicate a few chapters to the "nuts and bolts" of image acquisition. While well intentioned, the book should perhaps devote more room to discussions of actual radiation topics pertinent to clinical patient care. Even though this aspect of the book may be a shortcoming, the authors certainly accomplish their goal of providing their readers with a clinically relevant book. On a minor note, there are numerous typographical and spelling errors throughout, and the gray scales chosen for some data graphs are difficult to interpret. However, these flaws failed to diminish the overall quality of the book.
Assessment: Where other major books cover specific details of nuclear cardiac imaging, this welcome addition fills an obvious gap in the nuclear cardiology literature. Students of nuclear cardiology would greatly benefit from beginning their readings in the subject with a book such as this. Heller and Hendel demonstrate their expertise in the application of a very technical subject to the tangible field of patient care with ease in this work, and it is greatly appreciated.

3 Stars from Doody