Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology in Gynecological and Obstetric Diseases

Reviewing this book was long awaited and welcomed in an area of specialist radiological practice, which is the often-overlooked interventional radiology. The book gives a good overview of pathologies in obstetrics and gynaecology and their radiological management. 

The comprehensive manu-script is by a collaboration of experts from the radiology community in Italy, who give an excellent overview and acknowledge that collaboration of skills of radiology practitioners, obstetricians and gynaecologists is paramount to improving the outcomes for patients. The book is divided into clear chapters relating to areas of specialist practice in obstetrics and gynaecology, with comprehensive sections based on clinical conditions and clinical scenarios, including sections on specialist interventional techniques, which are welcome. 

Other sections include the pharmacological agents used in interventional techniques as well a good section on patient safety and ethics in this arena; the section relating to patient safety in relation to anticoagulation – when to stop and start – is a useful guide for all practitioners working in this area.

This format is replicated throughout the book and the authors have included a comprehensive overview of pathologies and their management in an accessible and concise review.

Within the section relating to gynaecology imaging, there is good use of cross-sectional imaging. That said, some sections have limited correlation with ultrasound imaging; this could be country specific. While the authors discuss uterine adenomyosis, there is more correlation with MRI and there is no discussion around wider endometriosis or deep infiltrating endometriotic nodules. This is also reflected in the assessment of adnexal masses section, where the use of ACR O-RADS classification is referred to; from a UK perspective many practitioners are more familiar with IOTA descriptors for ovarian lesions. However, this section is still well written and informative.

In the obstetric imaging section, the authors outline the use of MRI in placenta pathology and there is a succinct overview of the role of this modality, which is certainly useful for all readers. That said, some correlation with ultrasound imaging of placenta accreta and vasa previa would add some benefit to the practitioner who predominantly uses ultrasound as first-line imaging in this patient group.

In summary, this book is a must-read for all practitioners working in obstetrics, gynaecology and interventional radiology, it is well written and will serve as a reference text. The authors should be congratulated.