Post Mortem Imaging of the Fetus & Child: A Comprehensive Guide

Post-mortem imaging is a developing area of radiology, but not currently part of the UK radiology training curriculum. As a result, it is currently an area of interest to few, rather than a skill set of many. Until now, the majority of publications on the topic have been the results of research, focusing on different imaging modalities that can aid families to understand causes of death, particularly in paediatric cases, for which consent for full or invasive autopsy is declining.

This first edition textbook is well structured to inform, educate and assist the reader in all modalities of imaging of fetal and child post-mortem imaging. Written by pathologists and radiographers as well as doctors, it is aimed at a worldwide healthcare audience with practical steps to help set up a post-mortem service. There are numerous tables of information to guide you with protocols and sequences, while acknowledging the differences in imaging capabilities and laws around the world. 

The book is divided into three parts. Part one focuses on the different modalities and their uses. Part two discusses setting up a post-mortem service, normal imaging findings in the post-mortem setting and the importance of involving parents during decision making. Part three discusses optimum imaging in different cases and rationales for different modalities. There is a small section on forensic and suspected physical abuse imaging. 

There are plenty of images throughout the book to break up the text, with labels and explanations. Unfortunately, some in the MRI chapter do not match the wording in the body of the text, and the image references are disorganised. This does not occur elsewhere in the book. Although more images of pathology would be helpful, this book is intended to help explain the how and why, not illustrate potential diagnoses. I have shared the protocol information with our lead radiographer, which has fine-tuned our scanning time and abilities, further improving our current service.

Overall, I learnt a lot from this book. I already reference it in my clinical practice and have recommended it to colleagues. The ebook version is hyperlinked, making it easy to search for words and key phrases and will be particularly useful to those wanting to know about this area of paediatric radiology. Post-mortem imaging will become more mainstream over time and I hope this book helps to educate and instil confidence in a wider pool of radiologists and radiographers, so we can all work towards providing more imaging options for these patients and their bereaved families.

To purchase this title at our discounted rate email: katherine@radmagazine.com.