Clinical Diagnostic Ultrasound

Edited by E. Barnett and P. Morley

Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford, UK 1985, 61 7 pp, ISBN 0-632-00897-0, £120.O0

As might be predicted from the title, this book is concerned almost exclusively with clinical applications of diagnostic ultrasound. The editors, Ellis Barnett and Patricia Morley, are radiologists in Glasgow whose interest, expertise and enthusiasm for diagnostic ultra- sound is longstanding and widely known. In addition to the chapters written by themselves, they have assembled contributions from 32 other authors, many of whom are both acknowledged experts and internationally known teachers. Together they have created a text that is a comprehensive compilation of the accepted views of the last few years.

After a short chapter of instrumentation, there are sections on the eye and orbit, heart, vascular system, abdomen,liver and pancreas, spleen and lymphatics, renal tracts, gynaecology, obstetrics, paediatrics, and small part scanning.

In general, the images are clear and well presented. The text style varies with the author, though this is not a disadvantage, since most readers will regard this as a reference work. Many will find the sections on the eye and orbit, heart, and vascular system disproportionately long for General Hospital Departments. This may well be the author's intention, since these are areas that are currently undervalued by most general radiologists.

Overall this is an excellent book, which achieves its aim of providing a grounding in clinical ultrasound for many, and a point of reference for others. The bias is unasha- medly clinical and this book will find its principal place in large imaging departments and hospital libraries. Its rather high price may deter the cost conscious.

B. Bentley Salisbury General Infirmary, UK

Ultrasonics 1987 Vo125 March 123