This textbook is designed for physicians, students, and radiographers who wish to learn ultrasonography concisely and comprehensively. All general aspects of diagnostic ultrasound are covered. The text encompasses principally those disorders that are encountered in the daily routine of scanning, but mention is also made of rarer condi­ tions which must be considered in differential diagnosis. The authors present the subject systematically and practically, and with the facility of quick reference in mind. For didactic purposes they use many flow-charts, tables and teaching points. The book will be invaluable for learning and for scanning, as well as for reporting. Dr. Dirk Pickuth, who has been Clinical Research Fellow in our Diagnostic Imaging Department, conceived the idea of this international publication. As the main author he was supported by his British, Italian, and Indian colleagues, and the four physicians col­ laborated in this Department most amicably, which has resulted in this highly com­ mendable book. I wish it every success. Prof. V. R. McCready Chief, Diagnostic Imaging Department The Royal Marsden Hospital London, United Kingdom Foreword II Ultrasound still continues to develop, with the clinical spectrum of its application becoming ever wider. Accordingly, the number of ultrasound textbooks has increased considerably in recent years. The question of which is the right ultrasound textbook for the beginner or for the more experienced sonographer is very difficult to answer, because many of these books are impractical by virtue of their complexity and size.