After an initial radiographic or ultrasound examination, differential diagnosis on imaging findings often becomes a complex and problematic issue. A systematic and practical differential diagnosis of the findings can help in arriving at a diagnosis quickly and lessen the need for more complex and costly diagnostic procedures. In this book, a revised translation of 1st German edition published in 1995, eminent pediatric radiologists have pooled their years of experience. This would help both pediatricians and radiologists to optimize the interpretation of imaging studies with clinical signs and symptoms.

The book is broadly divided into seven major anatomic sections and further sub- divided into several chapters covering almost all-major childhood disorders. Illustrations for anatomic descriptions and biometric data provided in the sections are extremely useful. There are a total of 1510 illustrations and 528 tables.

The main strength of the book lies in the format and organization of chapters making it easy to locate a particular condition in differential diagnosis. Each chapter starts with a list of all the tables that appear in the chapter together with the page number. Tables have three easy to read columns to correlate findings, diagnosis and special remarks on clinical symptomatology and further investigative studies Illustrations have been placed close to the citation of the text, else the page number has been given for easy location. Use of the asterix to indicate a disorder as rare or very rate in the differential diagnosis is useful.

The book strongly emphasizes conventional radiographic and ultrasonographic findings, which a pediatrician will find useful. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and contrast studies have been illustrated where appropriate. Clinical photographs, provided in some sections to illustrate genetic and congenital disorders, are interesting additions. The text is well written, clear and concise. Images are excellent and are of reasonable size. Arrows or other markers have been used to help readers understand what is being presented.

The book however needs attention in certain areas. There is paucity of images related to developing countries. Cysticerosis, congenital syphilis, tuberculous meningitis, cytomegalovirus infection, etc. are commonly seen in developing countries but have been listed as rare disorders in this book and only texts have been provided. Images for showing healing rickets and scurvy, etc. can certainly be improved upon. It is also inconvenient that these images are scattered over different sections and the tables do not mention all the related page numbers. Despite careful editing some flaws are probably inevitable in 1st edition. For example in page 86, congenital diaphragmatic hernia has been referred to Fig 1.136, P. 113 which should be Fig. 1.36b, p. 39. Again in page 99, bacterial pneumonia has been referred to Fig. 1.54, p. 53, which shows image of bronchiolitis a non-bacterial condition. The references are listed in alphabetical order at the end of sections but not cited in the specific points in the text. This will make it difficult for the readers to learn more about a particular disease and their images.

Intended readers are obviously the clinicians as mentioned in the preface. However, radiologists will find it interesting and entertaining to test their skills if they first look at the images. The book is certainly recommended for departmental libraries in pediatrics and radiology. Individuals may find the cost prohibitive.