Step-by-Step Pediatric Echocardiography. Editor: Rani Gera, Coeditor: Jitender Nagpal Publisher: Jaypee Brothers, New Delhi. 1st Edition 2004, Pages 122, Price Rs. 295/-.

Echocardiography has always been looked upon as a highly technical subject by pediatricians and often they speak of ‘intricacies’ of Echocardiography, which are far beyond them. Pediatric Echocardiography is even more difficult to perform and assimilate; quite understandably so. But with growing interest among Pediatricians in Cardiology and widespread use of Echo-cardiography in diagnosing congenital and acquired heart disease in children, there is a need for demystifying Pediatric Echo-cardiography. This requires a hand book on Pediatric Echo which should act as a primer and stimulate further reading and learning process. "Pediatric Echocardiography step by step" by Rani Gera fulfills this requirement.

The book takes us step by step, gently guiding us across the labyrinth of Pediatric Echocardiography. The contents have a logical and systematic sequence. Its introductory chapters discuss basics of echocardiography followed by description of various views, supported by excellent photo-graphs and illustrations. These introductory chapters initiate the reader into the main body of learning. However, some of the illustrations could have done with adequate footnotes or comments. Normal values for M-mode and Doppler measurements in children are given, which are of great value to a serious student of Echocardiography.

These chapters are followed by description of congenital heart disease-acyanotic and cyanotic. They are given sufficient coverage. Segmental approach to CHD is highlighted. Each section have additional clinical information which is of use to a beginner. Echocardiographic findings of each defect or disease are given in a ‘Check List’ format, which is quite easy to grasp. In addition it tries to cover major acquired heart diseases in children as well.

In spite of covering various aspects of Pediatric Echo, the book is not cluttered and never loses its unhurried progress. Further appreciation is to be given to high quality of production. That probably justifies the relatively high cost of the hand book. The accompanying CD is a bonus.

This hand book can be strongly recommended for postgraduates in Pediatrics, Practicing Pediatricians and Cardiology trainees as well. On the whole, a "thorough, concise diagnostic bedside companion of Pediatric Echocardiography" would be an apt description of the book. Both the author and publisher have done a commendable job in producing this gem of a booklet.

M. Zulfikar Ahamed,
Chief, Pediatric Cardiology,
Department of Pediatrics,
Medical College,
Thiruvananthapuram 695 011,
Kerala, India.
E-mail: [email protected]