Ultrasonography (US) has long been considered an important diagnostic imaging modality for investigation of the pancreas despite certain significant and well-known limitations. Indeed, in many countries US represents the first step in the diagnostic algorithm for pancreatic pathologies. Recent years have witnessed major advances in conventional, harmonic, and Doppler imaging. New technologies, softwares, and techniques, such as volumetric imaging, enhancement quantification, and fusion imaging, are increasing the diagnostic capabilities of US. The injection of microbubble contrast agents allows better tissue characterization with definitive differentiation between solid and cystic lesions. Contrast-enhanced US improves the characterization of pancreatic tumors, assists in local and liver staging, and can offer savings in both time and money. Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging is a promising new US method to test, without manual compression, the mechanical strain properties of deep tissues. Furthermore, the applications and indications for interventional, endoscopic, and intraoperative US have undergone significant improvement and refinement. This book provides a complete overview of all these technological developments and their impact on the assessment of pancreatic pathologies. Percutaneous, endoscopic, and intraoperative US of the pancreas are discussed in detail, with precise description of findings and with informative imaging (CT and MRI) and pathologic correlations.

The comparison between methods, evaluation of portal hypertension and many other questions are still open issues in liver elastography. New elastographic applications are under evaluation and close to being used in clinical practice. Strain imaging has been incorporated into many disciplines and EFSUMB guidelines are under preparation. More research is necessary for improved evidence for clinical applications in daily practice. The Special Issue published papers on recent advances in development and application of Ultrasound Elastography.

The Atlas of Endoscopic Ultrasonography provides readers with a large collection of excellent images obtained from both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The Atlas includes a DVD which will be an invaluable addition to the library of trainee and practising gastroenterologists with video clips and searchable database of images. Together the book and DVD offer a first class collection of images to give a highly integrated introduction to endoscopic ultrasonography. The Atlas is an ideal companion to Dr Gress et al’s Endoscopic Ultrasonography, Second Edition.

World-renowned experts and opinion-makers comprehensively review the clinical challenges of managing acute and chronic pancreatitis and explain the basic science that underlies these management strategies. The authors provide up-to-date discussions of the pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnostic strategies, treatment, and complications of the diseases.

This atlas demonstrates all components of the body through imaging, in much the same way that a geographical atlas demonstrates components of the world. Each body system and organ is imaged in every plane using all relevant modalities, allowing the reader to gain knowledge of density and signal intensity. Areas and methods not usually featured in imaging atlases are addressed, including the cranial nerve pathways, white matter tractography, and pediatric imaging. As the emphasis is very much on high-quality images with detailed labeling, there is no significant written component; however, ‘pearl boxes’ are scattered throughout the book to provide the reader with greater insight. This atlas will be an invaluable aid to students and clinicians with a radiological image in hand, as it will enable them to look up an exact replica and identify the anatomical components. The message to the reader is: Choose an organ, read the ‘map,’ and enjoy the journey!

Abdominal Ultrasound for Surgeons provides a comprehensive guide to the use of ultrasonography in surgical practice of abdominal diseases. The content is divided into three major sections, with the final section being dedicated to the logistics of incorporating ultrasound into a surgical practice. In Part I : The Basics, the principles of ultrasonography are reviewed focusing on ultrasound physics, equipment and instrumentation. A detailed approach to the various scanning methods with image and artifact interpretation is demonstrated with illustrations and images. In Part II : Anatomy, Application and Intervention, ultrasound anatomy and its use in surgery are detailed. The normal and abnormal ultrasound anatomy of specific abdominal organ or organ systems (esophagus, liver, pancreas, biliary, stomach, anorectum, vascularabdominal wall) with illustrations and images are demonstrated. A state-of-the-art review of the major applications of surgical abdominal ultrasound is provided in this section ranging from trauma ultrasound and laparoscopic staging to techniques in ultrasound guidance and three-dimensional targeting. In Part III : Ultrasound in Surgical Practice, the practical aspects of incorporation of ultrasound into a surgical practice are addressed with topics ranging from credentialing to coding and billing. Abdominal Ultrasound for Surgeons will serve as a very useful resource and guide for surgeons and students with little to some experience in ultrasound, including practicing surgeons, surgical fellows and surgical residents.

The reference text for all those practicing diagnostic and therapeutic pediatric endoscopy – trainees, trainers, specialist endoscopists, gastroenterologists and hepatologists alike. Practical Pediatric Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 3rd Edition provides a comprehensive and up-to-date exploration for the performance of endoscopy in infants, children and young adults. Written in the form of a complete "how to" manual and filled with step-by-step instructions, this book seeks to bring newcomers to the field of pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy quickly up to speed. The book is also highly useful for experienced specialist endoscopists and gastroenterologists to brush up on best practice in standard techniques and explore advanced topics in the field. Practical Pediatric Gastrointestinal Endoscopy highlights the substantial and important differences between performing an endoscopy on a mature adult and performing one in a pediatric patient. The differences discussed include: GI pathology Subtleties of diagnostic technique specific to children Application of therapeutic endoscopy to specifically pediatric scenarios Anesthesia and sedation Training and skill maintenance Sophisticated endoscopic techniques adapted from adult endoscopy to children and those techniques specifically orientated to problems and diseases mainly encountered in childhood. This guide is becoming an essential companion for those of us providing diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy for children in the world today and opens the door to future possibilities in this ever-evolving field.