Diagnostic Imaging: Obstetrics, 4th Edition

By Paula J. Woodward, MD 

ISBN: 9780323793964 

Pub Date: June 15, 2021 

Reviewed by: Shivani Patel, MD (University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center) 

Description 

This fourth edition updates the third edition published in 2016. The book provides an in-depth review of the field of fetal imaging. Valuable tools include organization by organ system and subsections within each system that is logical to the reader. In addition, the countless pictures and figures are complementary to the text. There is an online accessible version of the book, which provides access to content when away from the physical book. 

Purpose 

This book provides comprehensive knowledge and guidance regarding the field of fetal imaging. Each chapter begins with a comprehensive review of embryology and anatomy that provides foundational knowledge to the reader. The text then provides a detailed guide to imaging and differential diagnosis with an abundance of pictures. Pathology, clinical concerns, the natural history of prognosis of each abnormality, and a diagnostic checklist guide the reader through each fetal abnormality they may encounter in clinical practice. The authors also inform readers how supplemental imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging of computer tomography may assist. Algorithms and treatment plans are clear and informative to the reader. 

Audience 

This book is suitable and serves as a good in-depth resource at the bedside for practicing radiologists, maternal-fetal-medicine specialists, pediatric and fetal surgeons, obstetricians, and trainees in these fields. Drs. Woodward, Kennedy, and Sohaey are world-renowned experts in the field of fetal imaging. 

Together they provide an excellent textbook of the field. They are well published and leaders of societies in their fields. 

Features 

The clear, logical layout of this book allows readers to easily follow and comprehend the material. The embryological and anatomical review guide the reader in understanding what they are seeing, and provided references serve as an additional source for practitioners. The review of each topic is in-depth and appropriate for counseling of patients. Of its few shortcomings, the tight text spacing can be overwhelming at first. However, effective use of headers is helpful while reading. 

Assessment 

This is an in-depth review of the field of fetal imaging and a practical text for those caring for women with such complicated pregnancies. It mirrors other textbooks such as Callen’s Ultrasonography in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 6th Edition, Norton (Elsevier, 2016) and Fetology: Diagnosis and Management of the Fetal Patient, 2nd Edition, Bianchi et al. (McGraw Hill, 2010). Its content is laid out in a practical and understandable manner, and the radiological and real-life images of children make it useful both as an educational text and for counseling patients at the bedside. 

©Doody’s Review Service, 2021, Shivani Patel, MD (University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center) Doody’s Score: 95 – 4 Stars!  

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