Aunt Minnie's Atlas and Imaging-Specific Diagnosis

SYNOPSIS

Well suited to board preparation, this catalog of radiographic images illustrates those findings that are characteristic of specific diseases in the body. Each of the 11 chapters consists of 20-30 cases accompanied by a brief discussion of the diagnosis in such areas as bone, chest, gastrointestinal, mammography, and ultrasound. The second edition adds a chapter on the spine. Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

FROM THE CRITICS

Doody Review Services

Reviewer: Brian D Petersen, M.D. (University of Colorado Health Sciences Center)Description: This second edition of the Aunt Minnie's Atlas presents images and history for 300 cases that are radiologically pathognomonic for disease entities or normal variants. The discussions are brief and to the point with the "Aunt Minnie's Pearls" again making a welcome appearance. The previous edition was published in 1997. Purpose: The book serves to expose radiologists to cases in which a diagnosis can be made by imaging alone. Can we, as radiologists, alter medical management and outcome more than when we make a previously unknown diagnosis with imaging alone, precluding invasive, costly, and risky future exams? I think not. The book provides this for the 300+ entities selected to make an appearance (although, admittedly, many times the imaging is not quite as compelling in real life). Audience: The book is directed towards "medical students, residents, and even staff radiologists." I think that many of the cases are a bit too simplistic for the staff radiologist but do provide an easy and fun way to review those "home run" cases that we, as residents, will be shown from time to time in conference and boards. Dr. Pope has gathered 28 other esteemed radiologists and residents in order to cover all areas with established experts. Features: This second edition again addresses the 10 major sections as they are divided up on oral boards, but now adds a spine section. It may have been prudent to follow the American College of Radiology's lead of breaking out cardiac imaging as its own entity instead of spine imaging. Regardless, the book follows the same format as its predecessor with terse, but pithy, discussions of each case, ending with Aunt Minnie's Pearls. The pictures have been enlarged for several cases, making the findings more accessible. The difference between the two editions is minimal in most sections with some cases removed and some added, but overall it seems like the cases that were Aunt Minnie's in 1997 are still Aunt Minnie's today. On a positive note, MRI is emphasized to a greater degree both in the evaluation of diagnoses seen in the previous edition as well as new entities. There is definitely not enough PET in the nuclear medicine section. Assessment: Despite these limitations, I would say that I will value this book on my shelf. Does it warrant a second edition and would I spend $95 to replace the first edition? On initial evaluation, probably not. Perhaps on deeper inspection its uniqueness and value will become more apparent.

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