Imaging in endocrine disorders

This book comprehensively covers all the imaging modalities which are used to evaluate endocrine disorders. It covers sonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and molecular imaging. Molecular imaging is dealt in a way that is quite handy for residents in radiology and for the practicing radiologists. Key points about the functional modalities and their utility in current imaging protocols will be useful for the readers. Two chapters are dedicated to newer modalities like intraoperative imaging of pituitary lesions and endoscopic ultrasound of adrenals and pancreas.

First four chapters cover all aspects of thyroid and parathyroid imaging. Practical points and optimal ways to scan a patient are clearly elucidated. Besides describing the spectrum of thyroid gland disorders, it also provides an approach to thyroid nodules which are encountered in day-to-day practice. Recent advances such as elastography are also mentioned briefly. Parathyroid imaging is also comprehensively covered with due importance to ultrasound and functional modalities. Newer technique like 4D CT is mentioned briefly along with basic principles of the technique. The way to diagnose parathyroid adenoma and to differentiate it from thyroid nodules and lymph nodes is also covered.

The next three chapters cover the essentials of adrenal imaging including molecular and endoscopic ultrasound imaging. The salient features of common adrenal lesions like adenoma, myelolipoma, pheochromocytoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, metastasis, etc. are highlighted. Incidentally detected adrenal nodules pose a major challenge for the radiologists, which is addressed adequately by elucidating the widely accepted approach.

The imaging of pituitary gland is covered comprehensively in three chapters. Imaging features of microadenoma as well as macroadenoma are extensively covered with the help of high quality images. Pearls and pitfalls of pituitary imaging is covered briefly with special mention on pseudolesions which can mimic pituitary microadenoma. The traditional imaging signs of parasellar invasion by pituitary macroadenoma and the role of high resolution imaging in showing the dural invasion are also illustrated. Recognising the importance and increasing incidence, this book has a dedicated chapter for neuroendocrine tumours. This chapter covers the multimodality imaging features of these lesions in a detailed manner. The chapter on intraoperative pituitary MRI stresses the upcoming role of this relatively new technique and how it guides the surgeon in resecting the tumour completely by providing immediate feedback. It also mentions the challenges encountered in this highly innovative technique.

The form factor of the book, format of text and the placement of figures gives the reader a unique and pleasant experience. This book is meant for residents in radiology and endocrinology and also for practising radiologists. Though the book is not extensive, salient points are highlighted which can be useful for quick reference. The radiology images and the graphical illustrations are of good quality. Tables are appropriately placed and convey salient points to the reader at a glance and colour images are provided wherever necessary. Online supplementary material is provided as QR codes which link to short videos for better understanding of the imaging findings. Besides covering the topic concisely, important references for further reading are also provided.

On the whole the book is written in a logical way providing the basic concepts as well as state of the art information in the field of endocrine imaging. It is a must read for all those who are interested in endocrine imaging and would be a useful asset to medical libraries.