Münster Medical Students’ Association, December 21, 2008 (Rating: 5 out of 5 stars)
Author: Matthias Hofer · 6th edition · Didamed Verlag GmbH · ISBN 978-3-938103-21-0 · €29.95 · 224 pages
Contents: Matthias Hofer’s CT Course Book is a workbook for beginners designed to facilitate an introduction to computed tomography. Starting with the physical and general fundamentals—such as a brief “ABC” of CT image interpretation and patient preparation—the book guides readers through the CT chapters covering the entire body, ranging from cranial CT to fractures of the foot skeleton. For each CT chapter, both normal anatomy and classic pathological cases are presented. In addition to these chapters, the book familiarizes readers with the use of contrast agents, radiation protection, and CT angiography. New to this edition is a brief section on dual-source CT and multi-detector CT. Of course, we must also mention the useful review questions at the end of each CT chapter, designed for self-assessment and to reinforce the material.
Teaching Approach: With the exception of the shorter chapters, the CT chapters are all structured according to the same pattern, which provides a good overview. At the beginning of each chapter, an overview of normal CT anatomy is presented, along with a checklist that briefly and concisely highlights what to look for to ensure a thorough and accurate interpretation. The text then delves more specifically into the respective organs, such as the lungs in the thoracic chapter or the liver in the abdominal chapter. This is followed by pathological case studies. The chapter concludes with self-assessment questions.
The language is very easy to understand and ideal for beginners. In addition, the fact that each CT image is accompanied by a schematic illustration with a numbered legend makes it much easier to understand and interpret the CT image. In general, there are a great many illustrations, which is extremely helpful in a field like radiology. Another nice touch is the detachable checklists. They’re compact and fit in any notebook or doctor’s coat.
The layout is very appealing. The pleasant turquoise color isn’t too eye-catching; it adds subtle accents. The book isn’t overcrowded, and the font is very easy to read, all of which helps the reader engage with the content.
Value for Money and Conclusion: The book is just over 220 pages long, in DIN A4 format, and retails for €29.90. Given the content it offers, the value for money is excellent. The book features over 1,000 illustrations and is certainly not just for visual learners. Thanks to its numerous illustrations, it is more than just a workbook; rather, it can be used as a valuable reference book or atlas. In an easy-to-understand way, the book introduces beginners to the world of CT images and helps readers avoid common beginner mistakes.
If you’re a student who’s already interested in computed tomography, this book is a must-read!!!
— Münster Medical Students’ Association