Laura Peter, Medical Students’ Association, University of Halle, March 18, 2007

Hofer, Abanador, Kamper, Rattunde, Zentai
Chest X-Ray Trainer
Matthias Hofer et al.
DIDAMED Verlag GmbH
224 pages
Paperback

The Chest X-Ray Trainer is designed to teach students how to systematically evaluate and interpret various chest X-rays. Unlike other radiology textbooks, this book is not organized by clinical presentations but by the type of radiological change, e.g., streaky-reticular changes. At first, this organization may seem somewhat confusing, but it corresponds to clinical practice and is therefore ideal for practice.

The numerous X-ray images found on nearly every page are essential. They are supplemented by several CT and ultrasound images, which allow for a direct comparison with the X-ray images. The book is designed to ensure long-term retention of the material. The illustrations are not labeled directly but are numbered instead. This allows readers to first try to identify the structures on their own and then compare their answers with the list in the fold-out cover. Mnemonic devices, such as those for the names of the lung segments, also help ensure that information isn’t just crammed into short-term memory. Common abbreviations and their meanings are printed on the inside front cover. The quiz questions at the end of each chapter are particularly recommended; they allow you to test the knowledge you’ve acquired.

In terms of content, the first two chapters cover the anatomy of the thorax and the general fundamentals of image interpretation. The learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter provide a good overview of the respective topic. The text is designed to promote understanding; for example, readers are expected to understand which radiation path causes the heart to appear enlarged in the image. This principle carries through the following sections, which cover changes in the thoracic wall, the pleura, the mediastinum, the lungs, and much more. Of particular interest is the description of the steps involved in placing a central venous catheter or a chest drain, as well as the radiological verification of their placement.

The book is not a reference work, but rather a kind of course that systematically provides the reader with a framework for interpreting a chest X-ray. With a few exceptions, the text is written in a very clear and accessible style. The concept behind this textbook, which aims to foster understanding and ensure the long-term retention of the knowledge acquired, is compelling. It fits into a series of similarly outstanding books by the editor, Matthias Hofer.

Review by Laura Peter