The Radiology Handbook provides a foundation for the study of radiology. It is designed to serve as a basic introduction to medical image interpretation for medical students and nonradiologists. This pocket reference is organized into three parts: ordering schemes, general information, and practice images. You should use the ordering scheme in part 1 of this book as a general guide for requesting the appropriate test for a given clinical presentation. This section is organized anatomically from head to toe.
The Radiology Handbook
If you are just beginning to study (or restudy) radiology, you should start by learning the basics of how an image is formed. The first four chapters in part 2 provide the foundation for understanding how images are created by X-rays, CT, ultrasound, and MRI. Chapters 5 through 11 contain basic information pertaining to ordering and interpretation in the chest, abdomen, urinary tract, GI system, musculoskeletal system, head and neck, and nervous system. All chapters are arranged in a question-and-answer format. Chapter 12 is a brief discussion of how to become more comfortable and proficient with image interpretation. Part 3 provides an opportunity for self-testing. Images of normal anatomy and common imaging pathology are followed by an answer key. The Radiology Handbook is not intended to be comprehensive. I like to refer to the information provided in this guide as a “punch in the nose.” It’s not the whole fight, but it’s a good beginning. The information is purposefully succinct—a quick read for busy physicians-in-training. I wish you all the best as you evolve into excellent diagnosticians.