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Show BOOK REVIEWS Section Editor: Barrett Katz, MD, MBA Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Stroke Stephen Davis, MD, Marc Fisher, MD, and Steven Warach, MD, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 2003. ISBN: 0- 521- 80683- 6, $ 130.00 Scope: This is a multi- authored textbook about magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) in stroke. The authors are renowned clinicians and researchers in the field. Contents: The book details all aspects of MRI and other imaging modalities such as computed tomography ( CT) and functional imaging in stroke diagnosis. Part 1 emphasizes the role of imaging in stroke diagnosis, classification, and management. Part 2 provides a critical review of all imaging modalities and their use in stroke. Parts 3 and 4 cover CT of the brain and CT- based evaluation of cerebral blood flow. Part 5 explains the basics of technical aspects of MRI. Parts 6 to 14 detail the use of various MRI sequences and techniques in stroke patients to evaluate parenchymal lesions, cerebral blood flow, and vascular imaging. Part 15 is devoted to the evaluation of the ischemic penumbra. Parts 16 and 17 discuss the place of MRI in the selection of patients for thrombolysis and drug development. Parts 18 and 19 cover the use of magnetic resonance spectroscopy and functional MRI in stroke. Strengths: The authors have brought together a group of experts who have thoroughly reviewed every aspect of neuroimaging relevant to stroke. The book is clearly written and well- organized with numerous illustrations and figures. Weaknesses: CT angiography has been left out. A comparison between CT angiography and magnetic resonance angiography would have been helpful. Cerebral venous thrombosis is not discussed. Recommended audience: This book is extremely valuable for practitioners with an interest in stroke and for radiologists in training. Critical appraisal: This book was written by experts who provide very accurate and updated information on the use of MRI in stroke. Valerie Biousse, MD Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, Georgia Ophthalmic Surgery, Principles and Practice, Third Edition George L. Spaeth, MD Saunders, Philadelphia, 2003. ISBN # 0- 7216- 6972- 7, $ 175.00 Scope: This is a 787- page, multi- authored, single- volume textbook edited by a respected senior glaucoma surgeon from Wills Eye Hospital. The text covers indications for surgery, surgical technique, and complications. Contents: There are 66 chapters filled with useful information about various ophthalmic surgical and laser procedures. The style and writing are clear and the chapters are well- organized. There are 100 contributing authors, each highly regarded in their respective subspecialties. All aspects of surgical ophthalmology- cataract surgery, corneal surgery, glaucoma surgery, oculoplastic surgery, extraocular muscle surgery, vitreoretinal surgery, ocular oncology surgery, and ocular trauma surgery- are addressed. Also, there are additional sections particularly useful that discuss perioperative issues, anesthesia, infection prevention, lasers, and endophthalmitis. Strengths: The editor has done a credible job in reducing repetition across sections. The black and white illustrations and drawings are pertinent and helpful. The chapters on glaucoma surgery and lasers are especially well- written and detailed. Weaknesses: The editor readily admits that the book does not include " every procedure." The operations of special interest to neuro- ophthalmologists are omitted, including orbital decompression, optic nerve surgery, tarsorrhaphy, and removal of eyelid tumors. In addition, the section on refractive surgery is not as detailed as one might like ( there is no discussion of wavefront technology). The section on oculoplastic surgery does not include information on chemodenervation ( botulinum toxin) for blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm. Recommended audience: This book is intended for the general ophthalmologist and subspecialist. The authors have managed to keep the discussions broad- based yet comprehensive. The book can also serve the ophthalmologist-in- training as an excellent resource for the operating room and for studying for oral board examinations. Critical appraisal: This is a comprehensive textbook covering important aspects of ophthalmic surgery. It provides significantly updated material since the last edition, published 13 years ago. I would recommend this book to all 58 J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 25, No. 1, 2005 Book Reviews J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 25, No. 1, 2005 practicing ophthalmologists. The editor should be commended for his product. Anil D. Patel, MD, FRCSC, FACS Dean McGee Eye Institute Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Clinical Neurology Graeme J. Hankey, MBBS, MD, FRCP ( Lond), FRCP ( Edin), FRACP, Joanna M. Wardlaw, MBChB, MD, FRCP, FRCR Demos Medical Publishers, New York, 2003. ISBN: 1- 888- 799- 67- 6, $ 195.00 Scope: This is an encyclopedic reference of neurologic entities formulated to help generate a useful and reasonable differential diagnosis and establish guidelines for the evaluation of the patient with neurologic dysfunction. Contents: The format is concise, mainly in outline form, with bulleted lists. The text is well- illustrated, with more than 800 color plates, neuroradiologic images, graphs, and charts. The first chapter is a concise discussion of the tools of neurologic diagnosis with special attention to the history, neurologic examination, imaging modalities, and examination of the cerebrospinal fluid. Ancillary tests such as EEG, nerve conduction and EMG studies, and evoked potentials are also included. The next several chapters are organized by phenomenology and discuss disorders of consciousness, epilepsy, headache, vertigo, and movement disorders. The next section is organized by pathophysiology, and considers developmental disorders, inherited metabolic disorders, central nervous system trauma, vascular abnormalities, infection, inflammation, tumors, degenerative disorders, acquired metabolic disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and disorders of cerebrospinal fluid circulation. The final chapters are organized by anatomy and consider the cranial neuropathies, spinal cord diseases, autonomic disorders, peripheral nerve disorders, mononeuropathies, neuromuscular junction abnormalities, and muscle diseases. With a clinical problem in mind, the clinician can find the disorder in its category and simply review possible differential diagnoses. Each topic is presented in a standardized format, with bold- faced headings, definition, epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical features. Unusual aspects of clinical disease and suggestions for appropriate investigations are included. Each chapter includes timely and helpful references for further reading. Strengths: Topics are easily located and helpful advice well- summarized. The format of the book offers practical suggestions for work- up and differential diagnosis with wonderful illustrations. Weaknesses: Some entities are discussed too briefly, others not at all. For example, there is only the briefest discussion of delirium. There is little about abnormal and paroxysmal neurologic experiences such as hallucinations during the waking state. Sleep disorders are not considered. Not enough attention is given to immune- mediated or paraneoplastic disorders. Recommended audience: This book will be most useful to the clinician without great experience or training in neurology. As such, it might be especially valuable to neuro-ophthalmologists trained primarily in ophthalmology. It should also be helpful to students and residents in both disciplines. It is a fine teaching tool with excellent illustrations and concise text. Critical appraisal: This is a useful book for the clinician, the student, and the teacher in neurology and neuro-ophthalmology Shelley A. Cross, MD Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota Field of Vision. A Manual and Atlas of Perimetry Jason J. S. Barton, MD, PhD, FRCPC and Michael Benatar, MBChB, DPhil, Humana Press, Totowa, NJ, 2003. ISBN: 1- 58829- 175- 8, $ 150.00 Scope: This is a comprehensive overview of the use of perimetric devices and bedside testing of visual fields. The authors focus only on the clinically relevant points, providing enough technical detail and anatomic knowledge for the physician to competently interpret visual field defects. To develop the clinician's skills in interpretation, the authors include an impressive atlas of 120 cases. The book is divided into four sections. The first section is a concise tutorial on how to measure the visual field and interpret the results. It includes five didactic chapters on the anatomy of the visual pathways and the most commonly used techniques for performing perimetry in the office and at the bedside. The second section includes 100 real- life cases arranged in anatomic order from retina to striate cortex. Each case contains a brief clinical vignette, a visual field, and a description of the field and its causal lesion, most with photographs of the pathology. The accompanying discussion addresses the nuances of the field and considers some of the clinical issues relevant to each case. The third section includes an additional 20- quiz visual fields organized randomly. These cases provide the reader with an opportunity to test skills in detecting abnormalities, 59 J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 25, No. 1, 2005 Book Reviews localizing them, and making a reasonable guess at their pathology. The book ends with a short review of key perimetric concepts and visual anatomy. Strengths: This is a simply written and clinically focused book. The format is attractive and the numerous illustrations make it easy to read. Weaknesses: The only deficiency is that the Humphrey field analyzer is the only automated perimetry presented to the reader. This was obviously done on purpose because this technique is the most widely used automated perimetry. However, many other techniques are routinely used by some optometrists and ophthalmologists and may not be understood by most neurologists. A short chapter summarizing the advantages and disadvantages of these other techniques might have been helpful. Recommended audience: Neurologists and ophthalmologists will greatly benefit from reading this book. Critical appraisal: The superb integration of clinical and technical material will make this book a valuable teaching reference for all involved in the management of visual disorders. Valerie Biousse, MD Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, Georgia Localization in Clinical Neurology, Fourth Edition Paul W. Brazis, Joseph C. Masdeu, and Jose Biller. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, 2001. ISBN 0- 7817- 2843- 6, $ 139.00 Scope: This multi- authored text presents clinical principles of neurologic localization. It represents the fourth edition of what has become the standard readable reference on this topic. It offers the advantages of many authors and takes advantage of the strengths of each; a standardized chapter format renders the whole quite seamless. The intended audience includes students and clinicians involved in the evaluation of patients with neurologic signs and symptoms. The text is divided into 22 chapters divided primarily on a neuroanatomic basis ( peripheral nerves, spinal cord, oculomotor systems, brainstem) with additional chapters on general principles of localization, vascular syndromes, and coma. Chapters generally begin with a concise and illustrated review of the relevant anatomy. Black and white cartoons provide a memorable anatomic picture of key relationships. The anatomy is dealt with in a clinically useful manner rather than the dry context often found in pure neuroanatomy texts. After anatomic background, chapters discuss the pathophysiology of lesions within each topic- based chapter. The book does not include treatments, and so its " shelf life" endures. Strengths: This well- written text covers important clinical concepts in a manner not otherwise available. The writing style is concise and quite readable; the organizational format is presented in a useful context. The book benefits from a practical, clinically driven approach to neuroanatomy, subdivided according to relevant pathologic processes. Neuro- ophthalmologists will especially appreciate the outstanding and detailed coverage of the ocular motor system, visual pathways and cranial nerves, which comprise fully one- third of the text. The superb use of illustrations serves the purpose of highlighting key anatomic relationships. This book even makes the brachial plexus comprehensible. Weaknesses: The book lacks noteworthy weaknesses! Future editions might integrate magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography examples of anatomy and pathology to enhance the otherwise exceptional illustrations. Recommended audience: This text should be compulsory reading for every neurology and neurosurgical house officer and is recommended for any student with a clinical interest in neurology. The book is an excellent reference for any " front- line" clinician confronted with neurology cases; it also serves as a valuable teaching tool for those involved in medical education. Critical appraisal: This text has become the gold standard in localizational neurology and a must- read for all neurology house officers. It is a lifeline to those on neurology wards and anyone preparing for neurology board examinations. Eric R. Eggenberger, DO Departments of Neurology and Ophthalmology Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Second Edition Kenneth W. Wright, MD and Peter H. Spiegel, MD, Springer- Verlag Inc., New York, 2003. ISBN: 0- 387- 95478- 3, $ 250.00 Scope: This is a comprehensive textbook on pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus that represents an extensive 60 © 2005 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Book Reviews J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 25, No. 1, 2005 revision of the first edition with many new chapters added. The book offers extensive illustrations and state- of- the- art tables, including a compendium of inherited diseases with ocular involvement. The text is divided into 10 sections, each with several chapters. The first section deals with the embryology and post- natal development of the eye, including abnormalities of ocular dysgenesis. The second section describes the pediatric eye examination, the low- vision patient, and an approach to ocular trauma. An appendix to this chapter details resources for parents with children with cancer, visual impairments, and other chronic diseases. A chapter on pediatric visual electrophysiology has been excellently updated from the previous edition. The third section deals with strabismus and amblyopia and includes a new chapter on strabismus surgery. The last chapter in this section concerns optical issues; it has tips on optical prescriptions and use of prisms in children. The next four sections describe the ocular adnexa, anterior segment abnormalities, glaucoma, and retinal diseases. An extensive section discusses eye involvement in systemic disease, describing chromosomal abnormalities and various syndromes. Pediatric neuro- ophthalmology is discussed in section nine. Here, information is presented on ocular motility disorders, abnormalities of the optic nerve, cortical visual impairment, central nervous system lesions with ophthalmic manifestations, nystagmus, neuro- degenerative conditions, and cranial defects. A separate chapter has been devoted to management of common pediatric neuro- ophthalmology problems. Section 10 outlines the many inherited clinical syndromes in association with ocular abnormalities. Strengths: The primary strength of this book is its simplicity. The foreword written by Marshall Parks, MD is fascinating and a " must read." It highlights the birth and evolution of pediatric ophthalmology from its outset. For quick and easy reference, the inside of the front cover tabulates the guidelines for planning strabismus surgery; the last section of the book nicely tabulates most clinical syndromes in pediatric ophthalmology with ocular abnormalities. Weaknesses: Because this is a multi- authored text, there is significant redundancy of material. For example, Duane's retraction syndrome is covered under the chapter of strabismus and also under the neuro- ophthalmology section on ocular motility disorders. With rapid expansion of knowledge in genetic and molecular biology and the neurosciences, information contained in the text will rapidly become out- of- date. A third edition will be longed for. Recommended audience: This is an excellent compendium of clinical science and pediatric ophthalmology. The book is extremely valuable for ophthalmology residents, comprehensive and pediatric ophthalmologists, and neuro-ophthalmologists. Critical appraisal: Written by experts in the field of pediatric ophthalmology, this book provides immense information in a comfortable format. Swaraj Bose, MD Department of Ophthalmology University of California, Irvine Irvine, California Essentials of Clinical Neurophysiology, Third Edition Karl E. Misulis, PhD and Thomas C. Head, PhD Butterworth Heinemann, Burlington, MA, 2003. ISBN: 0- 7506- 7441- 5, $ 52.95 Scope: This is a basic introduction to clinical neurophysiology including electroencephalography, nerve conductions study, electromyography, evoked potentials, and polysomnography ( sleep studies). Part I begins with a review of the basic physiology of muscles and nerves, such as membrane potentials, action potentials, neurotransmission, and muscle contraction. These topics are discussed on the single cell and multicellular levels. The authors then review fundamental principals of electricity. These principles are later drawn on to explain how neurophysiology recording equipment works and the physiologic bases of clinical neurophysiology waveforms. Parts II, III, i y and V deal with electroencephalography, nerve conductions study/ electromyography, evoked potentials, and sleep studies, respectively. Exact details of typical clinical recording techniques ( types of electrodes used, how and where electrodes are placed) are reviewed for each type of recording. The cellular bases of normal results are explained and examples of normal waveforms are provided. Each part also has a section on common abnormal test results with examples of abnormal waveforms. A CD- ROM is included that mimics the text and provides video and color photographs of electrode placement. Strengths: This is a well- organized, easily understood introduction to clinical neurophysiology for readers who have very little or no familiarity with the techniques and normal waveforms. Weaknesses: Some of the detailed points that the authors try to illustrate in the figures are not made clear in the figure legends. Having reference points within the figures- arrows or asterisks- would have been helpful. Although a general reference list is provided, individual items within the text are not referenced. This will make it difficult for 61 J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 25, No. 1, 2005 Book Reviews readers to look further into specific topics they are interested in. Recommended audience: Medical students, residents, and specialists without formal training in neurology or electrophysiology will find this text a useful introduction to clinical neurophysiologic recordings. Critical appraisal: A good foundation for those wishing to order clinical neurophysiology tests and understand the reported results. Syndee J. Givre, MD, PhD Department of Ophthalmology University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, North Carolina Management of Pituitary Tumors; The Clinician's Practical Guide, Second Edition Michael P. Powell, MB, BS., FRCS, Stafford L. Lightman, MB, BChir, PhD, FMedSci, Edward R. Laws, Jr, MD, FACS, eds., Humana Press, Totowa, NJ, 2003. ISBN 1- 58829- 053- 0, $ 125.00 Scope: This multi- authored monograph provides an overview of pituitary adenomas intended primarily for trainees in neurosurgery and endocrinology. Most of the authors are physicians associated with centers in Europe and the United States who manage large numbers of patients with these tumors, and the editors make clear that such concentration of expertise is desirable. Strengths: The first 14 chapters are an organized and comprehensive overview of this common tumor, containing detailed descriptions of endocrinological testing and medical and surgical approaches to treatment. The fifteenth chapter, entitled " Parasellar Lesions Other Than Pituitary Adenomas," offers a readable summary of the various processes that confound the differential diagnosis. The final chapter gives the patient the last word, providing the comments of a woman with acromegaly on the care she received. Weaknesses: The ophthalmological evaluation gets short shrift. Pinhole acuities are considered acceptable, and contrary to most experience, normal acuity and abnormal " peripheral field" are described as characteristic of " early stages of chiasmal compression." Goldman [ sic] fields are said to be the gold standard, but the first " Goldmann field assessment" illustrated appears to be a tangent screen plot. Humphrey field testing in a London clinic is apparently performed with the I4e- rather than the standard IIMe- a strategy that precludes the use of statistical plots. Recommended audience: Neuro- ophthalmologists and their fellows will find the discussions of medical and surgical treatment useful summaries of clinical knowledge. Critical appraisal: This book has the virtue of brevity and readability. My nod for a relatively current monograph on this subject, however, would still go to Pituitary Disorders: Comprehensive Management ( A. F Krist and G. T Tindall, eds) published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins in 1999. At a minimum, the chapter in that book, by Cargill H. Alleyne, Jr, MD, and Nancy J. Newman, MD on " Neuro-ophthalmology of Pituitary Tumors" wins hands down. John W Gittinger, Jr, MD Department of Ophthalmology Boston University School of Medicine Boston, Massachusetts 62 © 2005 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |
