Abstract
This atlas is written by a well-known and experienced expert in breast imaging. Based on the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) lexicon published by the American College of Radiology (ACR), the author gives a systematic review of the most common lesions in breast imaging.
The book is divided into nine main chapters: Circumscribed masses, irregular masses, calcifications, asymmetry, architectural distortion, male breast, postsurgical findings, masses poorly identified mammographically, and applications of PET-CT. Each of these main chapters is subdivided into two to 11 minor chapters numbered from 1 to 40, each representing a mammographic finding or breast condition. Thus, the contents and pattern approach enables the reader to find easily case presentations of interest based on the idea that ‘most breast problems initially present with a mammographic examination’. The cases presented include a very brief case history, physical examination, a short report of the mammographic and ultrasonographic findings, occasionally other modalities (especially MRI), pathology, management, ‘pearls and pitfalls’, and suggested reading. It is easy to read the cases very fast due to the nice and short presentation including only the essentials.
I really like the ‘Pearls and Pitfalls’ summarizing in an excellent way and to-the-point the most important messages from each case. However, there are some shortcomings which could have been avoided. Many of the figures, especially among the mammograms, are of a rather low quality. It would not have been difficult to replace most of the low-quality screen-film mammograms with high-quality digital mammograms for the most of the common lesions. The references listed under ‘Suggested Reading’ have not been updated and represent mostly old publications. Important articles and books from recent years are almost totally missing. The author has included a ‘summary’ BI-RADS category under Management. I think it would have been more educational to include a BI-RADS assessment category separately for the mammographic and ultrasonographic findings. Overall, I agree with nearly all conclusions and interpretations in this book, except perhaps for the approach to architectural distortion.
Experienced breast radiologists will not find much new information in this atlas. The text in most breast imaging atlases is usually too faulty for radiologists starting their training regarding the theoretical aspects and basic imaging interpretation. This statement also applies for this atlas. However, the book is recommended for radiologists in training with breast imaging which already have some basic knowledge in this field.