Nuclear Medicine Physics

William R. Hendee

This is the fifth edition of an introduction to the physics and related basic sciences of nuclear medicine. It is a standard in the field and updates the fourth edition published in 1992. Although intended as an introductory text, the author acknowledges that some knowledge of fundamental physics is assumed on the part of the reader. The book includes some equations and occasionally their derivations, but it is written largely without mathematics. The author's objective is to delineate the physics and related basic sciences underlying the practice of nuclear medicine. This objective is satisfied quite well. The book is intended principally for resident physicians in nuclear medicine, and to a lesser extent for resident physicians in other disciplines who need some knowledge of the basic science of nuclear medicine. The author suggests that nuclear medicine technicians (sic) may also find the text helpful, although in my opinion, most nuclear medicine technologists would conclude that the text is too advanced. The author is a medical physicist who is a recognized authority in nuclear medicine. Illustrations, principally line drawings and diagrams, are well prepared and illustrative of concepts in the text. References are absent except for a reading list of seven textbooks at the end of the book. This list should have been expanded and brought up to date. The index is comprehensive and well designed. The text has a paper cover, but it and the binding are sturdy. The price makes purchase of the book a reasonable investment for students. This fifth edition of a widely used text on the physical principles of nuclear medicine has been significantly improved from the previousedition, with substantial expansion of several chapters, the addition of two new appendixes (Radionuclides of Interest in Nuclear Medicine, and Organ Masses of a Standard Man), and a section of Key Points added to each chapter. Questions and problems with answers accompany each chapter. The book has been updated to include developments in emission-computed tomography, rules and regulations, and new pharmaceuticals. The book meets the author's objective of introducing the reader to the physics and related basic sciences of nuclear medicine.

From the Publisher

 "This book takes a practical approach to the application of nuclear medicine physics that will primarily assist nuclear medicine and cardiology residents and technologists in building their background knowledge and understanding of why and how things happen in the clinical environment. For medical residents in the field, it can serve as a quick review that incorporates all the basic definitions and recent developments in the field. I can recommend this book without hesitation as a teaching tool for introductory nuclear medicine physics in residency and technologist training programs."

  - DOODY'S BOOK REVIEW (September 2012)
     Dimitris N. Mihailidis, PhD(Charleston Radiation Therapy Consultants)

 

From The Critics

Reviewer: Dimitris N. Mihailidis, PhD(Charleston Radiation Therapy Consultants)
Description: This update of an established, introductory book on the physics of nuclear medicine covers basic principles and technologies in the field and how they apply to clinical practice in a well-structured and easy-to-read format. The author has made an effort to maintain the scope of coverage of the previous edition, with the addition of minor changes.
Purpose: The author successfully addresses the most common aspects of nuclear medicine physics from an educational and practical perspective. The book covers the essential details in a concise manner.
Audience: This an excellent guide for residents in nuclear medicine and nuclear cardiology, nuclear medicine technologists, nuclear pharmacists, and other professionals who need to learn the basic principles. It is primarily directed at meeting the needs of nuclear medicine and nuclear cardiology residents and technologists, since it has been developed through years of teaching in such training programs. For practitioners in the field of nuclear medicine and nuclear medicine imaging, it can serve as a great supplemental resource for when they need to practice problem solving. I would strongly recommend it to any nuclear medicine training program for residents and technologists.
Features: Throughout the 16 chapters, black-and-white graphs and figures illustrate concepts and numerous tables display data and pertinent information that can be used in problem solving. Chapters end with concise summaries of key points and questions. The book begins with the traditional topics of nuclear medicine physics and proceeds to radiopharmaceuticals and their clinical use. The next few chapters cover principles of interaction of radiation with matter and radiation dosimetry. One chapter covers the principles of radiation detection in order to provide the basis for subsequent chapters on in vitro and in vivo radiation detection in nuclear medicine imaging such as probes, rectilinear scanners, scintillation cameras, and emission computed tomography systems. Basic image quality analysis and quality control of these systems are also covered. The book closes with the effects of radiation and risk evaluation as it relates to handling of radionuclides and radiation safety, and provides current rules and regulations associated with nuclear medicine procedures. The appendixes summarize nuclear data of interest in nuclear medicine. Answers to the questions provided in each chapter appear at the end of the book. A limited list of literature for further reading is also available.
Assessment: This book takes a practical approach to the application of nuclear medicine physics that will primarily assist nuclear medicine and cardiology residents and technologists in building their background knowledge and understanding of why and how things happen in the clinical environment. For medical residents in the field, it can serve as a quick review that incorporates all the basic definitions and recent developments in the field. I can recommend this book without hesitation as a teaching tool for introductory nuclear medicine physics in residency and technologist training programs.

3 Stars from Doody