Dr. Marilyn Siegel, one of the foremost pediatric radiologists, has just published an updated version of her book, Pediatric Sonography, which is now in its fourth edition—an accomplishment that is a measure of its excellence. This book is a very welcome arrival because it fulfills the need for a new and updated textbook on this important subject.
Pediatric Sonography is divided into 17 chapters. The first two are important because they are basic to understanding and interpreting sonographic examinations. The first section, “Physical Principles and Instrumentation,” covers the basic principles of ultrasound with concise information that explains the principles of sonography and the rationale for correct transducer choice. The text is brief and easy to understand. The second chapter discusses various artifacts encountered in ultrasound, explaining why and how these occur. This section explains how to recognize artifacts and how to differentiate artifacts from pathology as well as techniques to avoid causing them. Specific artifacts are discussed later in the text in more detail under each relevant chapter.
Every anatomic region from head to toe is covered in the following 13 chapters, including a new chapter on breast ultrasound. Ultrasound-guided interventional procedures are discussed in the final chapter. At the top of each chapter are subject headings that are useful when reviewing the content. Additionally, the scheme of different colored headings in the text allows easy access to any subject within the chapter. The book is well organized. Each chapter conforms to a uniform and logical format, characterized by a brief description of the pertinent developmental anatomy, normal anatomy, and anatomic variants. From this introduction, the discussion flows smoothly to descriptions and explanations of organ-specific pathology. The text is complemented by numerous tables with normal measurements, an integral and important part of pediatric radiology. The discussion is enhanced by 1821 high-quality images that are appropriately placed close to the relevant text. At the beginning of each section is invaluable information for choosing the correct transducers and their frequency, with information and tips for optimal imaging and scanning techniques. The quality of the paper and printing is excellent. Image quality is consistently good throughout. Illustrative MR and CT images and diagrams are effective to show, clarify, and enhance many of the sonographic examples of various conditions. The intricacies and variations of vascular imaging and Doppler technique are presented in every anatomic section.
Since publication of the previous edition, the text and images have been upgraded and updated and reflect the improvements in ultrasound and Doppler imaging that have occurred in the intervening years. There are no omissions in this book; every pediatric condition is covered in the text and enhanced by the plethora of images. All pediatric conditions amenable to ultrasound evaluation are discussed in depth, with appropriately less detailed coverage of rarer diseases.
This book is not merely a trove of well-presented information but also is a comprehensive manual for anyone who performs and interprets pediatric sonography. There is an appendix that effectively summarizes the contents. In point form, the appendix presents the most important features for examining all body parts—that is, the requisite images that constitute a complete examination, the recommended transducer for the task, and the optimal patient position. The concise information in the appendix makes this comprehensive book more practical and user-friendly.
That this book is in its fourth edition is proof of its quality and its well-deserved place in pediatric radiology. Pediatric Sonography is recommended for all pediatric radiologists. This book may be exceptionally useful to general radiologists who are less familiar with pediatric radiology. The sections on spinal ultrasound and musculoskeletal ultrasound will be particularly helpful to radiologists who are unfamiliar with these procedures. Residents and fellows can rely on this book to help them comfortably perform and interpret any sonographic examination, whether during office hours or alone on call. I highly recommend Pediatric Sonography for all radiology departments in which pediatric sonographic evaluations are performed and for all radiologists who are responsible for these examinations.
Ronald B. J. Glass
Mount Sinai Medical Center
New York, NY
