A.L. Baert

A comprehensive, authoritative and accessible textbook of imaging of the ear, nose and throat in children. Each of the 25 chapters is devoted to a particular disorder or imaging technique. Both usual and unusual aspects of imaging are presented, and use of the latest imaging techniques is described. It is also unique in drawing together information from the radiology and clinical ENT literature. All of the authors are radiologists or other healthcare professionals who see and treat large numbers of children. They include distinguished experts from North America, Europe and Asia, ensuring that a global overview of the subject is provided.

The advent of spiral CT has brought about a major breakthrough in abdominal imaging. This volume, written by US and European experts in the field, is designed to provide detailed information on all pertinent aspects of the technique. Introductory chapters examine image acquisition and processing, but the main focus is on clinical applications. The key pathologies of each abdominal organ system in which spiral CT has resulted in a major diagnostic improvement are discussed in depth and richly illustrated. Attention is paid to the choice of the parameters for imaging and automated contrast material injection, tailored to each specific organ and to the most common clinical conditions. The advantages and drawbacks of spiral CT are carefully appraised relative to other imaging modalities, particularly Doppler sonography and MRI. The concluding chapters are devoted to topics such as abdominal trauma, spiral CT in children, and CT-guided interventional procedures.

I have not embarked on the foreword to this scientific monograph by Armando and Gior­ gio ROSSI in the expectation that it will be an easy task, because these two authors are the last remaining members of a family that has left its mark in the field of radiology in our country: therefore, the writer's enthusiasm and detachment could be jeopardized by mem­ ories of his own teachers and elders and the respect he still feels towards them. The line stretches from Armando Rossi Sr., a pioneer in the field of radiology in Italy, a scientist and a versatile teacher, a student of Beclere and Busi, to Lucio Rossi, an eminent teacher,a learned man and a gentleman. An official biographyofArmando Rossi shows that in his last years, his wide didactic interests were directed towards his own family, leading him to devote his attention to those of his grandchildren who were then getting ready to embrace the medical profession.

This volume provides detailed information on the key applications of spiral CT for each anatomical zone of the chest. Special emphasis is placed on those areas where spiral CT has documented advantages over conventional CT, and on its newer applications in CT angiography and three-dimensional CT imaging. Necessary background information on principles and technical considerations is also supplied. The expertise of the authors, the scope of the text, and the numerous high-quality illustrations combine to ensure that the volume will fully acquaint the reader with the current state of the art in the use of spiral CT in the evaluation of thoracic pathology.

Virtual endoscopy is a valuable independent diagnostic tool that is likely to become of increasing importance in the new millennium. This book provides an in-depth evaluation of the technical aspects of virtual endoscopy, and detailed information on indications, implementation, and interpretation in a clinical setting. It is designed to support radiologists and educators in approaching this rapidly developing field, will assist consumers in judging the applicability of software and hardware packages for virtual endoscopy, and will also benefit producers by highlighting current limitations and potential improvements from a clinical viewpoint.

Trauma is a very common condition in medical practice and a frequent cause of death, morbidity and dis ability. Although most radiologists will spend a considerable amount of their time dealing with trauma patients, this topic has not acquired "prestige" status in radiological meetings, journals or books. This is regrettable because the radiologist is frequently able to make a specific and very valuable contribution to the handling and management of trauma patients admitted to the emergency departments of our hospitals. Indeed, the radiologist, by virtue of his specific expertise, is able to provide excellent advice to clinicians concerning the choice and the sequence of examinations. He can thereby provide qualified support for rapid decisions that may be either vital for the patient's outcome or decisive for an early recovery without dis ability or long-Iasting sequelae. This book is unrivalled in its complete and meticulous coverage of the diagnostic imag­ ing methods used in trauma patients. It is written by outstanding European experts and provides comprehensive coverage of all anatomical areas that may be involved in patients with skeletal or visceral traumatic lesions. Professor M. Heller, Dr. A. Fink, and their team in Kiel have long-standing experience and a solid international reputation in the field of radiological imaging and management of trauma. They have been assisted in their task by several other well-known specialists in this area.