Radiology

Book Review
Grainger & Allisons Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 4th ed, 3 vols
[book review]
Edited by Ronald G. Grainger, MD, David J. Allison, BSc, MD, Andreas Adam, MB, Adrian K. Dixon, MD
London, England: Harcourt Publishers Ltd, 2001. ISBN: 0-443-06432-6. Hardcover, $599.00; pp 3,000, 5,430
illustrations
Grainger & Allisons Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of
Medical Imaging is the fourth edition of a book that was
first published in 1986 and was last revised in 1997. The
editors of the first three editions, Ronald G. Grainger
and David J. Allison, are now joined by Andreas Adam,
Adrian K. Dixon, and about 180 contributors, more
than 100 of whom are new.
The books contain 111 chapters, more than 2,600
pages, and almost 10,000 images and are arranged in
three sturdy (and heavy!) hardcover volumes. Each volume includes the complete table of contents, foreword,
preface, and index. Volume 1 contains sections on imaging techniques and general issues, the respiratory system, and the cardiovascular system. Volume 2 contains
sections on the gastrointestinal tract; the liver, biliary
tract, pancreas, endocrine system, and lymphoma; and
the genitourinary tract. Volume 3 contains sections on
the skeletal system; the male and female reproductive
systems (including chapters on breast imaging and
breast cancer screening); the central nervous system;
and the orbit, ears, nose, throat, face, and teeth. Pediatric radiology coverage has been expanded under the
guidance of new associate editors Helen Carty and Alan
Sprigg. Each section ends with a chapter on pediatric
issues specific to the anatomic locations it covers. Perhaps in subsequent editions, topics on pediatric imaging could be consolidated into a separate section. This
might be more convenient for use in a pediatric department or in studying for the pediatric section of the
board examinations.
Each chapter begins with an outline and has numerous references cited throughout the text and listed at
the end. The index is 69 pages long and even includes
special instructions for its use. However, American readers should be warned: Watch out for British spellings,

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Radiology

March 2003

especially in the index. If you can not find listings for

esophagus and hematomas, do not despair, just try
oesophagus and haematomas.
The pages are of standard size, and the paper and
printing are high quality. Some chapters use bold print
to highlight or stress words or phrases in the text, which
is especially helpful to someone who is skimming
through the books. Most of the image reproductions are
excellent and are labeled clearly, and the captions are
appropriately brief yet descriptive. The numerous tables
and drawings are also high quality. The authors have
even included some color Doppler US studies and some
color photos of endoscopic views of the esophagus.
The section on imaging techniques and general issues
is a potpourri that includes chapters on such diverse
topics as the picture archiving and communication system, contrast media, medicolegal issues, and radiation
protection. Section 5 (liver, spleen, biliary tract, and
pancreas) also includes information on the endocrine
system and a generalized discussion of lymphoma.
Breast imaging is found in the section on the reproductive systems, but prostate imaging is included in the
section on the genitourinary tract. This may be a bit
confusing but when in doubt just consult the table of
contents or the index.
In the preface, the authors state that their principal
aim remains to produce an authoritative, fully integrated, updated, well illustrated textbook of organ imaging and related interventional techniques. They
have succeeded admirably. The book is targeted at radiology residents and is intended for use during training
and in preparation for board examinations. It would
also be a welcome addition to any radiology library.
Reviewed by Philip Goodman, MD