Book excerpt: The Oxford American Handbook of Radiology is a concise, image-rich guide to radiology for non-radiologists who wish to improve their understanding and utilization of imaging as well as their interpretative skills. An "Essentials" section covers topics such as imaging modalities, contrast, risks of imaging, imaging the pregnant patient and imaging algorithms for common presenting conditions. The remaining chapters are organized to facilitate easy review for students on either radiology or clinical clerkships such as OBGYN, medicine or surgery. Chapters include: chest imaging, abdominal imaging, neurological imaging, musculoskeletal imaging, women's imaging, interventional radiology, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine and pediatrics. A pattern-based approach is used, allowing readers to develop the underlying concepts of image interpretation and then apply it to individual cases. All chapters include 'Don't Miss' boxes to highlight crucial findings. Over 340 high quality annotated images and line drawings are included both in the text and on the included CD. Designed for quick reference on the wards and in the clinics, this structured and easily readable guide fits in a lab coat pocket.