Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging (2010) 37:1043–1044
DOI 10.1007/s00259-010-1427-z
BOOK REVIEW
Torsten B. Moeller and Emil Reif (eds). 2009.
Pocket atlas of radiographic positioning
Thieme Publishing Group, Stuttgart, New York, 2nd edition, 378 pages, paperback.
ISBN 978-3-13-107442-3
Luigi Mansi
Published online: 20 March 2010
# Springer-Verlag 2010
The third millennium started with a revolution in the
diagnostic imaging’s scenario, characterized by the disap-
pearance of the traditional separation between morphos-
tructural and functional studies. Today diagnostic imaging
is becoming the kingdom of hybrid machines and we have
to prepare new professionals who have the capability to
understand and interpret both anatomy (and structures) and
pathophysiology (and functions). Avoiding a “political”
discussion on the near future of diagnostic imaging
professionals (analyzing alternatives as: one, two, or more
types of specialists ? prepared on techniques and proce-
dures or on a multi-procedural organ-based approach?),
there is a clear and unquestionable certitude: nuclear
physicians have to learn sectional anatomy. Waiting for a
future where it could become mandatory, also learning to
detect and interpret morphostructural signals of disease on
CT images is already relevant for nuclear physicians,
mainly for those working on fusion imaging based on
multislice CT, and starting to acquire basic knowledge on
technical issues traditionally limited to radiologists. Other
methodological improvements can be added acquiring
“new” relevant information for people working in nuclear
medicine, such as those concerning contrast media and/or
procedural approaches, including positioning for CT.
The Pocket Atlas of Radiographic Positioning is the
second edition of a paperback edited by Torsten B. Moeller
and Emil Reif, who have been leading authors in the field
of “radiological atlases” for many years, with a main focus
From the same authors: Pocket Atlas of Sectional Anatomy, 3 volumes,
3rd edition, Thieme, 2007
L. Mansi (*)
Nuclear Medicine, Second University of Naples,
Naples, Italy
e-mail: luigi.mansi@unina2.it
on pocket books. Between 2000 (Normal Findings in CT and
MRI/Pocket Atlas of Radiographic Anatomy) and 2010
(Atlas of Sectional Anatomy/MRI Parameters and Position-
ing) they have published, ever with Thieme Publishing
Group, nine titles. The most important for nuclear physicians
is certainly the three-volume Pocket Atlas of Cross-Sectional
Anatomy, translated into many languages, with a revised and
updated 3rd edition in 2007, faithful and effective compan-
ion of hundreds of radiologists worldwide. My personal
opinion is that this “cross-sectional anatomy” collection has
to find its place also in nuclear medicine departments, as a
fast and effective reference to recognize anatomical struc-
tures. In this way it could be possible to better interpret
complex diagnostic data, acquiring wider information for the
clinical response.
The Pocket Atlas of Radiographic Positioning is
therefore part of a comprehensive and very vital editorial
project bearing new titles every year, maintaining the same
well-consolidated didactic structure and high-quality level.
The reviewed book, published in 2009, is the second
English edition, based on the 4th German edition. The first
publication was in 1995 and since then the atlas has been
translated also into other languages (Japanese, Spanish,
French, Russian, Bulgarian). It is a concise and compre-
hensive “…practical how-to guide that provides the
detailed information you need to reproducibly obtain
high-quality radiographic images for optimal evaluation
and interpretation of normal, abnormal, and pathological
anatomic findings. It shows positioning techniques for all
standard examinations in conventional radiology, with and
without contrast, as well as basic positioning for CT and
MRI. For each type of study a double-page spread features
an exemplary radiograph, positioning sketches, and helpful
information on imaging technique and parameters, criteria
for the best radiographic view, and patient preparation…”
1044
This atlas, organized to be used in day-to-day practice by
technicians involved in radiological procedures, can reach its
maximal efficacy as pocket and/or desk book in radiological
departments. It can be of interest also in nuclear medicine at
first to recognize and/or utilize radiographic positioning in our
field. Moreover, it is important to better interpret information
coming from the radiological world, going to be coexistent
with ours. Therefore, we suggest this publication not only to
radiologists, radiology residents, radiologic technologists and
Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging (2010) 37:1043–1044
technicians, but also to professionals and students working in
nuclear medicine to acquire an autonomous knowledge of
instruments and information, which will be part of our near
future.
As a final remark, I want to express my appreciation not
only to the editors and publishers for the high-quality
images, but also to Mrs. Friedel Moeller, mother of the first
author Torsten, for her support and advice regarding the
beautiful artistic layout.