Radiographic and Imaging Techniques for Radiology Residents and Technologists

This is a useful and wide-ranging textbook that aims to educate and inform students of diagnostic radiography and radiology.

The chapters are logically constructed with each one having an introductory abstract and list of keywords. 

In this publication, Dr Gothi has succeeded in achieving the aims of explaining the production of images and illustrating how these images are viewed and diagnoses made.

Most of the body systems are discussed with excellent images and diagrams assisting the reader to link theory and practice. Chest radiography, in particular, is well covered, reflecting the frequency and widespread nature of this examination.

The author’s tone throughout is professional with the authority and knowledge of an expert. Due to the wealth of information presented throughout this work it is equally useful as a ‘dip into’ resource or as reference material for academic assignments.

Basic physics, radiation safety and terminologies will be welcomed by the newcomer to diagnostic imaging. 

Radiography, CT, MRI and PET are all covered. However, radiography of the axial skeleton is absent. Ultrasound and general nuclear medicine and their principles do not feature, except as an adjunct to other modalities.

The text mentions barium studies, which may or may not be relevant according to where the reader is working. Many centres now use MRI, CT and endoscopy instead of traditional methods previously employed in assessing the gastrointestinal tract.

The use of the term ‘film’ appears throughout the book. While this is a minor criticism, many current students have little or no experience of this technology and its limits in its analogue form.

The term ‘image gently’ is included in this textbook. Patient safety in many modalities is discussed in the setting of ‘gentle imaging’. Issues regarding radiation dose, intravascular contrast media and ferromagnetic substances are covered.

Further reading for each chapter is facilitated by the inclusion of useful references.

The section entitled ‘Bones and joints’ explains specialised named projections requested by specific orthopaedic surgeons. The universal application of these projections could be queried if other centres have different names for the same or similar technique. This would be important if higher education institutions insisted on precise terminology dictated by individual syllabuses or curricula.

Excluding the foregoing issues, the author has produced high quality work that is accessible. Students of radiography and radiology will need to carefully balance cost against its professional relevance. However, it deserves its place in any e-library.

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