Appendix – Magazine of the Medical Students in Freiburg, No. 37/2015, page 66
The classic when it comes to CTs!
Matthias Hofer: CT Course Book—A Workbook for Beginners in Computed Tomography. 8th edition. Didamed Verlag GmbH, 2014. Price: 39.90 euros
If any of you are planning a clinical rotation in radiology, the CT Course Book is a sure bet. Even without prior knowledge, it’s a great way to find your way around the world of shadows and contrasts. The book by Dr. Matthias Hofer is now in its eighth edition and has become a classic among radiology textbooks.
When you open the first page of the book, you pause for a moment—because you’re greeted by a large stop sign. The traffic sign directs the reader to the cover page. In the more than 1,000 illustrations in the book, numbers are labeled to identify anatomical structures. On the front and back covers, readers can use these numbers to look up any structures they don’t recognize.
If you overlook this note, the book may seem a bit cumbersome at first. But it’s actually a good idea. That’s because this approach helps you quickly learn how to correctly match organs to the structures shown in CT scans. Of course, it does take some effort now and then to look up the numbered structures.
The book begins with an introduction to the physical and technical fundamentals, as well as the basics of image interpretation and contrast agent administration. Now the real learning can begin—computed tomography is explained to the reader in chronological order, starting from the head, through the thorax and abdomen, down to the feet. Normal findings are presented first, followed by pathologies. After each chapter, readers can check their understanding with review questions. The book is very well structured in terms of content and stands out for its interactive elements. Readers who are eager to explore more exciting patient cases after finishing the book can test their knowledge with 17 additional quiz cases included on the accompanying CD.
One drawback is the design: The layout could be more modern and appealing. The book is designed in black, white, and green, which makes it seem a bit boring.
For everyday hospital life, small, compact checklists that you can cut out and carry in your lab coat pocket are ideal. That way, you’re prepared for anything!
By the way: If you enjoyed the CT textbook, you’ll also enjoy other radiology books by Dr. Matthias Hofer. The Chest X-Ray Trainer lays the foundation for interpreting chest X-rays, and with the FKDS Trainer, you’ll learn everything you need to know about color-coded duplex sonography.
— Theresa Nöltner