Foreword

Recent advances in imaging of the fetus have furthered our understanding of the neurodevelopment of the fetal brain. This third edition of Ultrasonography of the Prenatal Brain has capitalized on incorporating these new technologies in this textbook, to bring to the reader the most advanced information alongside the most impressive images. What Drs. Timor and Monteagudo provided in their first two editions, while nothing short of outstanding, has now been outdone in this third edition. Their choice of Drs. Pilu and Malinger as the additional editors was a work of genius. These two individuals, along with Drs. Timor and Monteagudo, are without a doubt the most talented and knowledgeable in imaging the fetal brain. While expecting excellence from these authors is the norm, the reader will not be disappointed. This text is all you would want and more. In the few chapters in which the editors are not contributors, they have chosen experts who are clearly the most knowledgeable on the specific subjects.

In reading this outstanding text, the reader will quickly marvel at how easily the text flows and is complimented by exquisite companion images. This edition uses advances in MRI fetal imaging to perfection. The just-right use of this modality highlights its most appropriate applications. At the same time the highest quality 2D and 3D images beautifully demonstrate how and why ultrasound remains the frontline modality for prenatal assessment of the fetal brain. The reader can easily follow normal fetal development from the early embryonic period all the way to the third trimester. The authors have created a near-perfect approach that allows the reader to easily recognize even subtle malformations in development. Along with the impeccable images the authors of all chapters have incorporated management recommendations including the appropriate follow-up or use of additional imaging and/or laboratory methods.

This textbook is a major contribution to the literature. It is a must for anyone doing prenatal diagnosis and for every ultrasound laboratory doing any obstetric imaging. Changes made warrant the addition of this text to one’s library even if one has the second edition. Whether it is the new information on the molecular diagnosis, metabolic disorders, or infectious or vascular changes, any one of these areas provides enough value in and of itself to warrant ownership of this third edition. In reading this new book I can say that I have been given the advanced privilege of capitalizing on the new information of this edition. I have already translated many of the newly described diagnostic pearls into daily practice. While it was already clear to me before reading this edition that Drs. Timor, Monteagudo, Pilu, and Malinger are the giants of our field and my expectations were high, after reading the text I was not—and you will not be—disappointed. Their prolific writing style, combined with the beautiful diagnostic images and pathological correlation, is impeccable. While many textbooks cannot be easily read in their entirety, this text reads like a novel. The reader gets deeper and deeper involved and cannot put the book down without reading another chapter or two. You learn from every page read. You marvel at the images. Drs. Timor, Monteagudo, Pilu, and Malinger are to be congratulated for bringing us closer to understanding fetal neurodevelopment and anatomy. I am forever humbled by being given this honor to write this foreword.