56 AJUM February 2014 17 (1) A Sonographer’s Guide to the Assessment of Heart Disease Bonita Anderson RRP $169.00 ISBN-13: 9780992322205 Publisher: MGA Graphics 507 pages Te long anticipated release of a text book that addresses the echocardiographic assessment of cardiac pathologies written from the viewpoint of a cardiac sonographer has been worth the wait. Te second text to be published by well-known author and lecturer Bonita Anderson, titled A Sonographer’s Guide to the Assessment of Heart Disease is a well presented hard cover text that provides a contemporary perspective on the application of echocardiography in the current diagnostic imaging realm. Te general structure of most chapters provides a logical fow of information from the aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations through to the role of echocardiography in various cardiac disease states. By presenting the content of the chapters in this sequence, the understanding of the importance of the role of echocardiography in the evaluation of the presenting pathology is enhanced. Furthermore, this format highlights particularly to the student sonographer, that an understanding of each of these facets of the presenting pathology is essential for a thorough and accurate sonographic study. Tere is no shortage of reference texts already available on the market that cover the content presented in this current text, however, the strength of this particular text lies in the quantity of high quality sonographic images which are used to illustrate the pathology and aid in the understanding of the content. In comparison to other available texts, the techniques and methods described in A Sonographer’s Guide to the Assessment of Heart Disease provide the basis for a comprehensive sonographic protocol, emphasising essential techniques to ensure an accurate assessment of the presenting pathology. Te readability and usability of this text are excellent, with the features of the ‘key concepts’ boxes summarising and highlighting the important points of the chapter, as well as the ‘technical tips’ boxes highlighting the limitations of measurement techniques. Te use of fow charts in most chapters also makes for a quick and easy review of concepts. Tese inclusions aid in the decision making process required in determining when an echocardiographic measurement can be considered useful and accurate. Appendices 5, 6 and 7 provide quick reference guides that are extremely useful in the setting of a busy clinical department, where time is of the essence. With reference to particular chapter content, Chapter 4 (Hypertensive Heart Disease) provides a clear diferentiation between pulmonary arterial hypertension and pulmonary hypertension including clinical classifcations and defning values. In Chapter 5 (Ischaemic Heart Disease), a good inclusion is the concept of caveats in the echocardiographic assessment of regional wall motion abnormalities as well as defning current classifcations of myocardial infarction (NSTEMI vs STEMI) while still explaining historical classifcations of myocardial infarction (Q wave vs non-Q wave). Of note, are Chapters 10, 13, 14 and 15 which each provide an extensive review of the concepts within each chapter. Tese chapters in particular are outstanding examples of the theme of the entire text, providing information for the sonographer from the sonographer’s point of view. With the direction of current online technologies, a suggestion for future editions would be to provide a patient case study format either through on-line use or CD, which would further reinforce the concepts presented in the text. On-line real-time images are provided on the publisher’s website: www. echotext.info. Te aim outlined by the author was to provide a comprehensive review of the echocardiographic assessment of cardiac pathologies with an intended readership ranging from student to established sonographers, with the intention of providing a reference for daily clinical practice. Tis aim has been commendably achieved. Used in conjunction with the earlier publication by this author, (Echocardiography Te Normal Examination and Echocardiographic Measurements), A Sonographer’s Guide to the Assessment of Heart Disease provides a reference which will equip a sonographer of any level of experience with a comprehensive knowledge base. Alison White BSc MSc DMU (cardiac) AMS Senior Lecturer, Grifth University Book review Guideline for the Management of Suspected Small for Gestational Age Singleton Pregnancies After 34 Weeks Gestation in New Zealand This guideline has been developed to achieve a more consistent approach to management of small for gestational age (SGA) singleton pregnancies and infants in New Zealand. Unaltered copies of this guideline may be freely reproduced and distributed. Available at www.asum.com.au/ newsite/Resources.php?p=Policy