Neuroradiology

"Whew! It is never over. This book has been a pustule on our rear for so long. I will never write a third edition - you can bet the estate on it. So yes, David, you can be the first author of the third edition. ...." So begins the introduction by Robert Grossman to this second edition of "Neuroradiology: The Requisites". It is a bit strange to see so many bad jokes and bad poems and such blunt Asperger syndrome-type language in what should be a dry and scholarly textbook for serious professionals, but at least the book is never boring. RIG and DMY manage to skewer surgeons, lawyers, HMOs, FMGs, other radiologists, their wives, each other, and most of all, Bill and Hilary Clinton, while educating us all about the essence of Neuroradiology. Strangely enough, the words "George Bush" are completely absent from this book - one wonders because the authors work hard to be equal opportunity jokesters, and DMY states in the book that he is a liberal Democrat. But then, remember that this book was finished right around the time that the War in Iraq Part Deux was getting started, a time when people were getting death threats just for even wondering out loud - "Gee what if Saddam doesn't have any WMDs?" I do get a distinct feeling that both these guys were probably in favor of regime change in Iraq in any case. (For all you young, liberal Democrat, whippersnapper Radiology residents out there, basking in your multiple job offers, let me explain that Bill and Hilary will forever live in a very hot and dark place in the memories of older Radiologists for creating the last big Down cycle in our field, the Great Job Depression of 1994-1998. In one of his first major policy speeches on health care reform, Bill Clinton singled out the MRI scanner as a prime example of how expensive and wasteful healthcare in the US had become. Subsequently, the volume of MRI scans nationwide shot downward, MR centers closed right and left, and radiology jobs disappeared. In the fall of 1995, there were only four full time radiology job openings in the entire state of California advertised in the ACR Professional Bureau.............Never Forget! Never Forgive!) This book is more than enough for the Radiology resident studying to take the Radiology Boards. That's what it was designed for. It is also a great book for the old farts in private practice to review and get updated on the latest stuff. Being an old fart in private practice, I read this book to study for the Maintenance of Certificate (MOC) exam for the Neuroradiology CAQ. I passed, but I'm pretty sure they graded on a curve, because that was one heck of a hard test, way harder than the original Neuro CAQ. Good thing I also scanned through Ann Osborne's "Diagnostic Imaging: Brain"; plus I paged through Som and Curtin's two volume "Head and Neck Imaging" book on CD. Both texts were also useful for the MOC. Ah, what the heck, they probably passed everybody .......don't let me scare you, go ahead and take the MOC....

I have the second edition of this book. Very well written in a fun and sarcastic way making it pleasant to read. Clear pictures with clinical background. I have reviewed many books on neuroradiology, by far, this is the best. The "Cranial Anatomy" chapter alone is an excellent review on normal anatomy. A clinician does not need more than the chapter on "Techniques on Neuroimaging" to learn about the physics of imaging.

The authors want to transmit their knowledge to the reader. They are real teachers, as all textbook authors should be. Their aim is to help us learn neuroradiology and not just enrich their CV like many others do. Congratulations and thank you!

As Director of Neuroradiology at a Harvard teaching hospital for many years, I have been responsible for recommending texts for residents to begin their study of my subspecialty. When this book was first published, it happened to be the year in which our subspecialty offered its own examination for certification. Because I was interested in finding a text to provide a current survey of the field, I bought this book. Little did I know how comprehensive this text was- a true "bang for the buck". The coverage of the field, including neck imaging, is remarkably thorough and up-to-date, considering the current edition is 6 years old. The only minor deficiency is a paucity of illustrations, but I believe a pictorial work book keyed and correlated to this text has now been published. What makes this text unique is the authors' wry sense of humor, with "zingers" appearing unexpectedly- they literally wake you up and provide encouragement to finish even the most challenging chapters. The final sections, which include a unique chapter on how to interpret MR and CT images, as well as lists of differential diagnoses, are real gems. In summary- as Karl Malden said- "Don't Leave Home Without It". The book is small enough to carry, and a valuable resource from which to learn while one works in the radiology reading room.

Neuroradiology is a must for every Radiology resident. It is an excellent introduction to the complex and fascinating subject of neuroradiology. Unlike most medical writing, the book has humor and is "conversational" keeping the reader involved. It covers not only the anatomy and pathology involving the brain and spinal cord, but also the orbit, sinuses, and neck region. Strongly recommend to every radiology resident and any budding neuroradiologist. Awaiting the 2000 edition!