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Show BOOK REVIEWS Section Editor: Steven A. Newman, MD Imaging of Orbital and Visual Pathway Pathology W. S. Muller- Forell, MD. Springer- Verlag, Berlin, Germany, 2006. ISBN: 3- 540- 27988- 1, $ 109.00. Scope: This is a comprehensive presentation of imaging of the visual system, with emphasis on the orbit. This book includes numerous illustrations showing the anatomy of the orbit and intracranial visual pathways as well as a large number of pathologies. Strengths: This is a very detailed book that provides an exhaustive review of orbital imaging. With more than 400 pages, it has up to 6 illustrations per page, and there are fewer than 10 pages without illustrations. Weaknesses: This book is so detailed that it is sometimes difficult to find what you are looking for. Although a large part is devoted to orbital imaging, the clinical summary on neuro- ophthalmology mostly reviews intracranial and motility disorders. A clinical overview on orbital diseases would have been welcome. Recommended Audience: This textbook would be very helpful for ophthalmologists interested in oculoplastics and to radiologists. Neurosurgeons or neurology- trained neuro-ophthalmologists would also find this textbook very helpful. Critical Appraisal: This text is an excellent, in- depth review of orbital imaging. It also covers imaging of the intracranial visual pathways. Its numerous illustrations make it very attractive. Valerie Biousse, MD Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, Georgia Imaging of the Head and Neck, 2nd Edition Mahmood F. Mafee, MD, FACR, Galdino E. Valvassori, MD, FACR, Minerva Becker, MD. Thieme, Stuttgart, Germany, 2005. ISBN 1- 58890- 009- 6, $ 249.95. Scope: This is a comprehensive text that provides a thorough guide to the radiology of the head and neck. The authors are experts in the field and Dr. Mafee, in particular, is known to most practicing neuro- ophthalmologists through his contributions to the Frank Walsh meeting as guest neuro- radiologist. The book contains 866 pages with nearly 3800 illustrations, providing an unparalleled source of up- to- date information. The book sections are devoted to the temporal bone, eye and orbit, nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, masticatory system, suprahyoid neck, and infrahyoid neck. Of particular interest to ophthalmologists is the more than 200 pages dedicated to the eye and orbit, as complete a coverage of this area as seen in any separate text. Each section is divided into embryology and development, anatomy, imaging techniques, and pathology. The attention to detail is superb. Suggestions of proper MR sequences to obtain and side- by- side comparisons of pathologic specimens with MR images make understanding of the anatomy clear. Beautiful examples of pathology include early involvement of the fossa of Rosenmuller by nasopharyngeal carcinoma, anomalous looping of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery in hemifacial spasm and a variety of different types of orbital pseudotumor. Strengths: This volume has outstanding illustrations and is an invaluable source of clinical and radiologic knowledge. The demonstrations of orbital and temporal bone anatomy and pathology would make it a valuable source by itself. With the additional coverage of sinuses, skull base and neck, it is as fine a radiologic text as there is in this difficult area. Weaknesses: This text has no weaknesses. My only regret is that the authors have not also covered the brain. I would encourage them to do an up- to- date review of brain imaging as a companion text. Recommended Audience: This is a text that should be invaluable to the head- and- neck surgeon and otolaryngologist. It is a must- read for any radiologist. For the neuro-ophthalmologist, this is the finest text on the topic. Critical Appraisal: This text is an outstanding review of normal and pathologic conditions of the head and neck. As a comprehensive source of information, it is unparalleled in its field. Eric L. Herman, MD University of South Florida Tampa, Florida Harley's Pediatric Ophthalmology, 5th Edition Leonard B. Nelson MD, MBA, and Scott E. Olitsky MD. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, 2005. ISBN: 0- 7817- 5083- 0, $ 199.00. Scope: This is a complete text of pediatric ophthalmology comprised of 30 chapters, each by authors who are highly 150 I Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 27, No. 2, 2007 Book Reviews J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 27, No. 2, 2007 respected in the field. The book covers most aspects of pediatric ophthalmology practice. Most of the text focuses on medical management of eye disease in children while two chapters are dedicated to strabismus. A third chapter outlining the history of strabismus surgery adds an interesting bit of color to an often dry subject matter. The editors have been diligent in updating changing recommendations for the management of retinopathy of prematurity, pediatric lens implant placement, and glaucoma. Strengths: The text is a relatively concise overview of pediatric ophthalmology. It is well- written and easy to read. As such, it is ideal for the physician who occasionally sees children, and desires a quick reference. Weaknesses: While the chapters on genetics and development of the eye are beautifully written, few individual genetic syndromes are described in significant depth for this text to be the sole reference used in a pediatric ophthalmology practice. In addition, only black and white photographs are used throughout the body of the text. Selected color plates are printed in the front, but cannot be easily accessed while reading. Recommended Audience: This book is most valuable for the comprehensive ophthalmologist or physician- in-training with an interest in pediatric practice. The text would also be of benefit as a concise review for the neuro-ophthalmologist with an interest in pediatrics. Critical Appraisal: This text is written and edited by experts in pediatric ophthalmology who provide a good overview of a wide subject matter. It is somewhat limited in covering the depth of rare syndromes, but overall covers a wide scope of clinical practice. It will be well- received by any ophthalmologist as a quick refresher of current topics or the general ophthalmologist with an interest in pediatric eye disease. David G. Morrison, MD Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee Q & A Color Review of Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery Guy M. McKhann, II MD, Neil D. Kitchen, MD, FRCS, Hadi Manji, MD. Thieme, New York, 2003. ISBN: 1- 58890- 154- 8, $ 39.95. Scope: This is a 185- page, multi- authored, paperback review manual covering the clinical neurosciences, with an emphasis on neurology. A wide variety of neurologic conditions are covered in a case vignette, question/ answer format. Most cases are accompanied by a color image, the answer and discussion found on the following page. Because the entire field of clinical neurology ( and to a much lesser extent, neurosurgery) is meant to be covered, the amount of detail for each condition is limited, although the authors have done a nice job of summarizing the relevant information. Strengths: This is a concise, readable review manual that covers an impressive amount of material given the space limitations. The discussions include information that is current, and there are very few outright errors. The images are in color, generally of good quality, and include neuroimaging, electrophysiology, genetic pedigrees, and patient photographs. There are a reasonable number of neuro- ophthalmology related cases, with condensed but precise discussions. Weaknesses: The authors rely heavily upon acronyms, and although the meaning is often clear from the context, the flow of the narrative is broken by frequent trips to the front of the book for the key. The book suffers from a lack of references, a particular problem when the authors cite specific studies. Although the title implies a review of neurosurgery, the amount of material devoted to this field is relatively small. Recommended Audience: This is primarily designed for neurology residents and medical students, particularly those preparing for board examinations. The clinical neurologist and neuro- ophthalmologist might enjoy reviewing areas of the field not normally seen in general practice. Critical Appraisal: This is a useful review manual for neurology residents in training. It might have a limited appeal to neurologists and neurosurgeons already in practice. The biggest advantage is the compactness, and the fact that the case presentation format makes it easy to digest in small bites. Gregory P. Van Stavern, M. D Kresge Eye Institute, Wayne State University Detroit, Michigan Psychiatry for Neurologists Dilip V Jeste, MD and Joseph H. Friedman MD. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ, 2005. ISBN: 1- 58829- 483- 8, $ 135.00. Scope: This book is a comprehensive review of psychiatry designed, as the title states, for the practicing neurologist. The focus is on clinical psychiatry especially as it relates to neurological diseases. Unlike most psychiatry textbooks then, this one is designed in sections organized around the interface of psychiatry and neurology. The book begins with interesting historical chapters examining the relationship of psychiatry 151 J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 27, No. 2, 2007 Book Reviews to neurology. Next is a review of psychiatric evaluation of the neurological patient, with many useful examples of psychiatric symptoms one may see in different neurological disorders. The third part of the book reviews major psychiatric disorders. The chapter entitled Hysteria in Neurological Practice is particularly relevant to neurologists and is well written. A chapter on catatonia is interesting and thorough, although it is not clear why catatonia is listed as a major psychiatric disorder, rather than a symptom or condition seen in various major psychiatric disorders. The section Psychiatry of Major Neurological Disorders reviews major neurological disorders associated with psychiatric syndromes ( stroke, Parkinson disease, dementia), childhood and geriatric disorders, crisis management, and treatment ( medications, ECT, surgery, psychotherapy). Strengths: The chapters, written by experts in the field, are readable and more detailed than one would find in a typical psychiatry textbook, especially in the way they relate to neurologic practice. Weaknesses: The organization of the book could be improved by moving all major psychiatry disorders to one section. Some topics seem to have been given inordinate attention. Although the cerebellum chapter is very interesting, why is there no chapter on the frontal lobe? Finally, the book is not comprehensive - eating disorders, for example, are not mentioned. Recommended Audience: Clinicians of all kinds who work with neurological disorder patients will find this book of interest, and as a valuable resource when seeing a certain type of neurological patient. Critical Appraisal: The book is written by experts in their fields and edited by experts in psychiatry and neurology. It is filled with useful clinical information and would be a wonderful overview. Suzanne Holroyd, MD University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia The A- Z of Neurological Practice, A Guide to Clinical Neurology Roger A. Barker MB, BS, MRCP, MRC, Neil J. Scolding MD, Dominic Rowe MD, and Andrew J. Larner MRCP, Eds. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 2005. ISBN: 0- 521- 62960- 8, $ 48.00. Scope: This is a pocket- sized reference to neurologic conditions, both common and unusual, seen in clinical practice. It is a glossary of terms and conditions in neurology, organized from A to Z. Each entry is in an easy- to- read format, with sections on pathophysiology, clinical features, differential diagnoses, useful diagnostic tests, treatment and prognosis, and selected references. Each entry is cross-referenced to other relevant clinical entities or conditions, and provides alternate terminology for the condition of interest. The book is conveniently sectioned according to the alphabet for quick scanning of pertinent entries. Strengths: This book provides a useful, portable catalogue of overviews of broad categories in neurology ( dementia) and more specific subcategories ( Alzheimer disease). A limited discussion concerning psychiatric conditions is offered, mainly in the context of other defined neurologic or multi-systemic disorders. Many entries provide a useful summary of expected findings on specific diagnostic tests, as well as excellent use of tables to summarize clinical distinctions between related disorders ( episodic ataxia type 1 versus type 2). Weaknesses: This book is most useful as a quick reference, and will be most appreciated by readers with an established foundation in medical education and by neurologists in training. It is not an evidence- based compendium or a comprehensive guide to clinical neurology. The emphasis is on adult neurological practice. While the format of each entry is organized and succinct, additional illustrations would have been helpful, particularly imaging studies, gross pathology, and histology. However, such inclusions would likely increase the size and bulk of this reference. The authors readily accept the limited scope of this glossary. Recommended Audience: Physicians in training, practicing neurologists for easy reference and review, and as part of a more comprehensive program of life- long learning in neurology. Critical Appraisal: The contributing editors are a distinguished representation of academicians whose interests span the breadth of neuroscience. Each has made significant contributions to advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson and Huntington disease, multiple sclerosis, and neuromuscular disorders. Their expertise in these fields and their interest in clinical teaching unite in the development of this practical guide. Virginia I. Simnad, MD, MSc University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia Atlas of Neuromuscular Diseases: A Practical Guideline Eva L. Feldman MD, PhD, Wolfgang Grisold MD, James. W Russell MD, Udo A. Zifko MD. Springer; Wein, Austria, 2005. ISBN: 30211- 83819- 8, $ 249.00. 152 © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Book Reviews J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 27, No. 2, 2007 Scope: This book is a remarkably comprehensive atlas of neuromuscular diseases. The authors are well- respected neurologists who have made important contributions in the field. The first chapter discusses the numerous diagnostic tools potentially available to physicians. The rest of the book, save the last chapter, is organized anatomically. Diseases of cranial nerves, nerve roots, plexuses, nerves, neuromuscular junction, muscles, and motor neurons are systematically reviewed. Each topic is organized by anatomy, symptoms, signs, pathogenesis, diagnostic strategy, differential diagnosis, therapy and prognosis. The authors also offer a differential diagnosis in each section. The last chapter is a " general disease finder" that lists general diseases and the neuromuscular disease patterns associated with them. Strengths: This is a comprehensive, well thought- out and well- organized atlas that provides a complete overview of neuromuscular disease. Each section begins with a helpful " tool bar" that gives an outline of which examination techniques are most useful. The pictures and illustrations are excellent. Weaknesses: The lists of etiologies is sometimes too long, which lessens their practical value. I counted over 60 potential causes of median neuropathy. Given that carpal tunnel syndrome represents > 99% of causes of median neuropathy, such a long list provided might be a distraction. Much to their credit, however, the authors make the lists more useful by dividing etiologies further by anatomy ( upper arm, elbow, wrist) or mechanism ( neoplastic, vascular). I suggest that future editions also arrange etiologies by prevalence, as in " common," " uncommon," " very rare." Recommended Audience: This book is designed for students, residents and physicians who do not specialize in neuromuscular disorders. Critical Appraisal: This is an excellent neuromuscular atlas that succeeds in its stated goal of helping the clinician " in the diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases at all levels of the peripheral nervous system." It is a useful reference book for the office or library of any practicing clinician who sees an occasional patient with a neuromuscular disorder. Ted M. Burns, MD University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia Diagnosis and Management of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias, 2nd Edition Robert C. Green, M. D., M. PH. Professional Communications, Inc., Caddo, OK, 2005. ISBN 1- 884735- 96- 7, $ 21.95. Scope: This pocket- sized book is an easy to use, readable, well- referenced, and practical guide to the differential diagnosis and management of memory loss and dementia. Designed for the busy clinician, it packs an impressive density of content into an organized and accessible format despite its small size ( 171 pages of text). With a generously sized index ( 33 pages), easily referenced lists of tables and figures, and thumb- tabbed chapters, one can quickly find specific information such as decision- making algorithms, diagnostic criteria, assessment tools, and treatment guidelines. Written by an experienced behavioral neurologist, this book is a useful authoritative source for anyone who has memory loss patients. The book is organized into four parts. Part 1, " Dementing Disorders," has chapters on definitions of dementia, epidemiology, evaluation of older patients with cognitive problems, and dementing disorders not due to Alzheimer disease. Part 2, " Alzheimer's Disease," has chapters on genetic and other risk factors and biomarkers, natural history, pathophysiology and natural history, and current and emerging therapies. Part 3, " Management of Patients with Dementing Disorders," has chapters on management of agitation and behavioral symptoms, and family education and support. Part 4 lists resources for clinicians and families. Strengths: This book is clearly- written, organized, user-friendly, and focused. Yet, reading it does not feel rushed or superficial. There is strong scientific grounding, with 712 references. I was impressed, for example, with the detail about Alzheimer pathophysiology research, including often- ignored attention to competing hypotheses that may yet yield fruitful insights. Most of the text has practical content. Treatment options are offered with supportive data and unbiased descriptions of risks and benefits. There are many helpful tables and illustrated algorithms. Practical tips and advice come from the author's clinical experience. In this regard, I particularly liked the chapter on family education and support, with ideas about what to say and do in response to common questions and situations. Several tables compare and contrast therapeutic options, such as antidepressants, " first generation" and " second generation" medications used to treat Alzheimer disease, neuropsychiatric and behavioral problems, and non-pharmacologic management of behavioral problems. There is coverage of the emerging concept of " mild cognitive impairment," cognitive loss that falls short of dementia but may progress into it. There is also good coverage of " normal" patterns of memory function expected for age, and a useful section for the many " worried well" patients who are found to lack objective neurocognitive deficits. Weaknesses: The book is strongly focused on Alzheimer disease, understandable as it is the cause of most dementia. However, much dementia is due to vascular disease, 153 J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 27, No. 2, 2007 Book Reviews dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal degeneration, and mimicked by depression (" pseudodementia"). Yet, these common conditions- and rarer ones- are consigned to a 27- page chapter, leaving the reader without much guidance for a large number of memory loss patients likely to come to clinical attention. Recommended Audience: This book will be useful for health care professionals who work with patients with memory loss or dementia. This book would be appropriate for medical students, house officers, practicing physicians, psychologists, nurses, and social workers. Critical Appraisal: This is a practical and useful book for the clinical management of memory loss and dementia, especially Alzheimer disease. It is clearly written, up- to- date, with evidence- based rationales and practical advice. Anyone caring for patients with memory loss should have a copy nearby. Joel I. Shenker, MD, PhD University of Missouri Columbia, Missouri Sensation & Perception Jeremy M., Wolfe PhD, Keith R. Kluender PhD, Dennis M. Levi OD, PhD, Linda M. Bartoshuk PhD, Rachel S. Herz PhD, Roberta L. Klatzy PhD, & Susan J. Lederman PhD. Sinauer Associates, Inc., Sunderland, MA, 2006. ISBN 0- 87893- 938- 5, $ 99.95. Scope: This is a smart, articulate, and enjoyable textbook that makes its topic alive and accessible. The reader is guided through well- organized chapters with clear direction and specific research findings. Supplemented with useful and eye- pleasing illustrations, the writing is crisp and straightforward yet not condescending or simplistic. Authored by leaders in perceptual research, the science is up- to- date across diverse topics. As with most textbooks in this area, much of the focus is on vision, but there is ample treatment of other modalities. An introductory chapter gives the requisite underpinnings in philosophy and basic psychophysics. Vision is then explored with chapters on retinal function, spatial processing, object recognition, color perception, binocular vision and depth perception, motion perception, and visual attention and scene perception. Audition is then addressed with chapters on auditory structures and psychophysiology, analysis of sound content and localization, and musical and speech perception. A chapter on tactile processing reviews a growing body of research in a previously neglected area of perceptual science. A chapter on olfaction reviews what is known about how we use and recognize smell information. The book ends with a wonderful chapter on taste, going beyond the usually bland description of taste buds to delve into specific hungers, the curiosity of chili pepper preferences, genetic variations in taste, and links between pleasure and taste. Strengths: This textbook blends visual appeal and passion for topic matter with clear writing that stays close to research. It exposes the reader to the analytical reasoning of studies, not merely their data. The authors also give specific suggestions for further learning ( such as a way to experience a " flash" of saltiness from the taste buds densely concentrated in the thin margin between the soft and hard palate). There are excellent illustrations and graphs, and these are more detailed and communicative than in most textbooks. The text makes frequent reference to a web page for students which includes interactive and other material. The treatment of visual pathways and topographical representations is particularly clear, detailed, and well-illustrated. Modest attention to clinical topics such as retinitis pigmentosa, Balint syndrome, hemineglect, color blindness, and prosopagnosia is infrequent but satisfying. For teachers, there is an Instructor's resource CD, an instructor's manual, and a test bank of exam questions. The 362 total pages of text can be easily encompassed. Weaknesses: The chapter on olfaction is the least compelling, perhaps reflecting a comparative paucity of research in this area. Expanded attention on olfactory influence on learning and memory might have added more interest. So too might have been linkages between olfactory changes and neurologic conditions such as medial temporal lobe epilepsy or extrapyramidal disease. The summaries at the end of each chapter could have been usefully followed by self- test questions. Tables in each chapter would have helped readers pause and summarize material for better learning. Some of these matters are addressed on the website, but inclusion in the physical pages of the text would have been useful. Recommended Audience: This is a textbook for a college level psychology course, for an audience seeking an initial introduction to the topic area. However, it will also be valuable to clinicians and researchers who wish an easily accessible but well- grounded treatment of topics in sensation and perception. Critical Appraisal: This book is an admirable teaching tool. It conveys both the content and excitement of the state of the art of research in perceptual sciences. It is lucid, visually beautiful, well- organized, and readable. I will keep a copy on my shelf. Joel I. Shenker, MD, PhD University of Missouri Columbia, Missouri 154 © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |