During the past 20 years the newer imaging techniques of ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have significantly advanced the diagnosis and management of disorders of the abdomen and pelvis. It is essential to recognise normal anatomical structures when performing these techniques and interpreting the images that they provide. Details of normal anatomy are mostly provided in books and publications describing the different imaging techniques and in system related publications.

There is a place for a textbook devoted to detailed descriptions of the normal anatomical appearances as shown by all imaging methods used for investigating the abdomen and pelvis. The authors of this book have aimed to do this and in my opinion they have succeeded.

This book provides a detailed description of the anatomy and normal variations of abdominal and pelvic structures as shown by angiography, barium studies, CT, MRI, radionuclide imaging, and ultrasound, including endoluminal ultrasound. The lymph system is also demonstrated and lymphography is used, whenever possible, to show the detailed anatomy. The text is comprehensively illustrated and 24 pages of colour plates are included. Most of these are fromGray’s Anatomy but there are also examples of colour Doppler.

This is an excellent textbook and in my opinion should become essential reading for anyone learning to perform or interpret abdominal imaging procedures.