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Show BOOK REVIEWS Section Editor: Steven A. Newman, MD Diagnostic Imaging: Brain Anne G. Osborn, MD, FACR, Susan I. Blaser, MD, FRCPC, Karen L. Salzman, MD, Gregory L. Katzman, MD, James Provenzale, MD, Mauricio Castillo, MD, FACR, Gary L. Hedlund, DO, Anna Diner, MD, H. Ric Harnsberger, MD, James A. Cooper, MD, Blaise V. Jones, MD, and Bronwyn E. Hamilton, MD. Amyrsis Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, 2004. ISBN: 978- 0- 7216- 2905- 6, $ 269.00. Scope: This book is divided into two parts. The first part organizes diagnoses according to general pathology and includes 10 sections covering congenital malformations, trauma, subarachnoid hemorrhage and aneurysms, stroke, vascular malformations, neoplasms and rumor- like lesions, primary and non- neoplastic cysts, infectious and demyelinating diseases, and finally, inherited and acquired toxic, metabolic, and degenerative diseases. The second part is organized by anatomic locations, including ventricles and cisterns, sella and pituitary, cerebellopontine angle, and skull, scalp, and meninges. The book contains 4,400 illustration in 992 pages. In the preface, chief author Anne Osborn states the rationale for the organization of the book: " We've become victims of our own success: we are getting better and better at imaging more and more stuff. This translates into an ever- increasing case load. Time is a luxury most of us don't have. We need our information in an easily accessible format We don't have time for extra words that don't carry essential information so we don't write them!" The authors' " matter- of- fact" approach is followed rigorously in that each disorder is discussed over 4 pages. The discussion is divided into terminology, imaging findings, differential diagnosis, pathology, clinical issues, diagnostic checklist, selected references, and an imaging gallery, which in most cases includes 6 images ( 4 for the rare disorders). " Key Facts" and differential diagnosis are highlighted in boxes that contain short summaries of the entities and 4 images. The text is composed of bulleted statements that contribute to the uniformity of the book with hardly any stylistic difference between the different authors. Strengths: The books provides a huge amount of information on hundreds of diagnostic entities from the most common ( meningioma and multiple sclerosis) to the rarest ( cerebellar hemorrhage). The information is not limited to neuroradiology; there is up- to- date information on pathology, physiology, epidemiology, and clinical features with the latest references in each area. The images themselves are impressive and are derived from advanced techniques such as MR spectroscopy, diffusion weighting, MR perfusion, noninvasive angiography, and digital subtraction catheter- based angiography. The imaging findings section includes recommendations for the best imaging tool and protocols for best yield. The magnificent color illustrations done by James A. Cooper convey the essentials of diagnosis, and provide correlation between the gross pathology and the CT and MR images. Weaknesses: The format of bulleted statements is sometimes hard to follow and the overuse of abbreviations distracts the flow of reading. The reader is forced to turn back and forth from the text to the lists of abbreviations placed in the beginning of the book and on the first page of each section. In addition, the organization is cumbersome, with complicated sets of numbers assigned to entries according to their location in the book. A more traditional method would have been easier to follow. Recommended Audience: This is an invaluable source of information for the neuroradiology, neuropathology, neurology, and neurosurgery communities. Critical Appraisal: Although this relatively compact volume makes you miss an " old- fashioned" prose textbook such as Osborn's " Diagnostic Neuroradiology," it may be the best and only way to compress an enormous amount of information and rich imaging gallery into a single textbook. Iris Ben- Bassat Mizrachi, MD Goldschleger Eye Institute Sheba Medical Center Ramat Gan, Israel The Neuro- Ophthalmology Survival Guide Anthony Pane, MBBS, MMedSc, Michael A. Burdon, BSc, MB, BS, MRCP, FRCOphth, and Neil R. Miller, MD, FACS Mosby Elsevier, Edinburgh, UK, 2007. ISBN: 978- 0- 7234- 3405- 4, $ 79.95. Scope: This is a well- organized and well- illustrated text designed for the comprehensive ophthalmologist as a practical reference for addressing most neuro- ophthalmologic problems. It is organized in chapters by patient symptoms and signs. Chapters 2 through 12 cover topics such as " transient visual loss," " double vision," " seeing things," and " unequal pupils." Each of these chapters begins with several pages introducing the topic, an examination checklist, and a management flowchart. This provides a framework for the reader to organize an approach to the patient. J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 28, No. 1, 2008 83 J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 28, No. 1, 2008 Book Reviews The remainder of each chapter provides more detailed information including suggested management of each entity on the differential diagnosis. Each chapter is designed to be used for quick reference while evaluating patients. Strengths: The organization of the book by patient symptoms and signs makes it very easy for the reader to find relevant information. The text is comprehensive but succinct. The first chapter, " Twenty Neuro ' Rules' to Keep You out of Trouble," is filled with important neuro-ophthalmology tidbits and should be read in its entirety by all ophthalmologists. The many colored illustrations are helpful in amplifying the text. Weaknesses: There are no major weaknesses. The authors do state that they wish to ".. . err on the side of caution in investigating and managing patients." Nevertheless, occasionally the list of tests that " must" be obtained seems a bit much. For example, the following blood tests are considered mandatory in all patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension: full blood count, glucose, electrolytes, liver function tests, erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( ESR), C- reactive protein ( CRP), angiotensin- converting enzyme ( ACE), and antinuclear antibodies ( ANA). Perhaps this approach is necessary for the ophthalmologist who has no neuro- ophthalmologist nearby, but there is a risk that any reader of this manuscript will simply order numerous tests when not necessary. Perhaps the word " must" is a bit too strong. Recommended Audience: The authors state that this book is intended for the comprehensive ophthalmologist and clearly that group is well served. However, I think that comprehensive neurologists, residents, and junior neuro-ophthalmologists would also find this text very useful. Critical Appraisal: This is an excellent, clinically relevant book essential to any physician who evaluates patients with potential neuro- ophthalmologic problems. Karl C. Golnik, MD, MEd University of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Eye Institute Cincinnati, Ohio Eye on the Bayou: New Concepts in Glaucoma, Cataract and Neuro- Oph thalmology Jonathan D. Nussdorf, MD. Kugler Publishers, The Hague, Netherlands, 2006. ISBN: 978- 90- 6299- 209- 6, $ 108.00. Scope: This book is a collection of the lectures and roundtable discussions from the 54th Annual Symposium of the New Orleans Academy of Ophthalmology. The book is divided into four main sections: neuro- ophthalmology, glaucoma, psychophysics, and anterior segment surgery. The target reader is the comprehensive ophthalmologist. Each subspecialty section contains the text of several lectures and roundtable discussions designed to address questions introduced by the preceding lectures. The roundtable panel consists of several " experts" who discuss their philosophy on difficult management issues. The neuro- ophthalmology section contains transcripts of Andrew Lee's excellent lectures on common mistakes when examining the neuro- ophthalmology patient, double vision and pupil involvement, an update on optic neuritis, and important points to communicate to patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. Additionally, Lee discusses MRI, CT, and optical coherence tomography ( OCT) indications in neuro- ophthalmology. The second section includes lectures by Harry Quigley and Eve Higginbotham that cover epidemiological risk factors for glaucoma such as race and sex. This is followed by a discussion on low tension glaucoma and neuroprotection. Paul Palmberg critiques the commonly held belief that glaucoma structural damage precedes visual function loss. Finally, there are several succinct synopses of recent landmark glaucoma clinical trials ( CNTGS, AGIS, EMGT, CIGTS, OHTS, and EGPS) followed by an interesting roundtable discussion critiquing these clinical trials. The psychophysics section is primarily a series of lectures updating visual field testing with short wavelength automated perimetry ( SWAP), frequency doubling technology ( FDT), Swedish interactive thresholding algorithm ( SITA), zippy estimation of sequential testing ( ZEST), and tendency oriented perimetry ( TOP). Additionally, there is a section on interpreting visual field loss in glaucoma and a roundtable discussion on detecting and monitoring glaucoma progression. The final section consists of several lectures on anterior segment surgery and complications. The first lecture discusses the new disease entity " toxic anterior segment syndrome." The remaining lectures are discussions of the basics of laser trabeculoplasty and clinical pearls on performing and managing trabeculectomy. Two round-table discussions cover trabeculectomy skills by providing further pearls and suggestions for surgical infection prophylaxis. Strengths: This book contains many useful diagnostic pearls relevant to comprehensive ophthalmologists. The text is easy to follow. The neuro- ophthalmology section is especially well done and practical. The roundtable discussions are insightful. 84 © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Book Reviews J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 28, No. 1, 2008 Weaknesses: The topics covered are relatively narrow. There is no index. If readers are not looking for updates on the specific topics, they may find the book focused on too little. Recommended Audience: This book is aimed to the comprehensive ophthalmologist or specialist interested in updating knowledge in a different subspecialty. Additionally, individuals who attended the 54th Annual Symposium of the New Orleans Academy of Ophthalmology can use this book to review the material. Critical Appraisal: This book provides a practical, succinct update on narrow but important topics to the practicing comprehensive ophthalmologist or resident physician. Christopher Thiagarajah, MD Karl Golnik, MD, MEd University of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Eye Institute Cincinnati, Ohio Neuroanatomy: An Illustrated Colour Text, 3rd Edition A. R. Crossman, PhD, DSc, and David Neary, MD, FRCP Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, Edinburgh, UK, 2006. ISBN: 9780443100369, $ 53.95. Scope: This is an introduction to the anatomy of the central and peripheral nervous system broken up into 17 chapters in 186 pages. The text is supplemented with diagrams and photographs of pathologic specimens. The first chapter includes an overview of the embryology and anatomy of the central nervous system. In this chapter and subsequent ones, little inserts provide descriptions of developmental anomalies and boxes emphasize important clinical messages. Simplified diagrams emphasize clinical points. Chapter 15 consists of a description of the visual system with a very basic presentation of ocular anatomy and the visual pathways. This edition contains a final chapter on problem solving, consisting of 10 case vignettes associated with questions and answers. In addition, there is a glossary of terms, which makes it easy to find definitions. Strengths: This is an extremely well- illustrated text introducing an increasingly detailed and difficult subject. The diagrams are simple and straightforward; they synthesize a very complex subject into a more manageable explanation. The widespread use of diagrams and illustrations and summary inserts is extremely helpful. Weaknesses: This is not a sophisticated reference text, nor does it intend to be. It does not include corresponding imaging studies that might make it even more clinically relevant to a student making the transition between anatomy and clinical diagnosis. Recommended Audience: The authors clearly target medical students being introduced to neuroanatomy. Critical Appraisal: This book is a major improvement over its predecessors of 40 years ago. The use of diagrams, color illustrations, and early clinical implications is essential to its success. Although it is unlikely to be useful to those in the practice of neuro- ophthalmology, those who want to know how our students are being introduced to neuroanatomy will find it helpful. Steven A. Newman, MD Department of Ophthalmology University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia Interactive Atlas of the Human Brain Robert E. Kingsley, PhD, and Robert D. Kingsley, MFA. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ, 2007. ISBN: 1- 58829- 798- 5, $ 99.50. Scope: This is a CD- ROM designed to teach neuroanatomy to students, clinicians, and scientists. It contains 4,381 images that depict neuroanatomy in a dynamic, interactive format. The brain can be viewed in various formats including as anatomical dissections and various MR imaging sequences. Additionally, the brain can be viewed in sagittal, axial, and coronal planes. The images can be viewed with all labels in place, with select labels, or with unnamed lines as in quiz format. Strengths: This CD- ROM allows one to study anatomical sections and correlate them with MR imaging. It facilitates the development of a three- dimensional understanding of neuroanatomy that can be difficult to achieve through the pages of a book alone. The images are generally of high quality. Weaknesses: Although the overall format of the atlas is user friendly, it would be ideal to be able to click on a structure of the brain and have the label and/ or the pointing line appear. Recommended Audience: This CD- ROM is effectively targeted as a resource for any student of neuroanatomy and 85 J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 28, No. 1, 2008 Book Reviews will also be useful for resident trainees, scientists, and clinicians dealing with the human brain. Critical Appraisal: This atlas should prove to be a wonderful tool for all those interested in neuroanatomy. It will undoubtedly be incorporated into the training of neurosurgical residents at our program. John A. Jane, Sr., MD, PhD, FRCS( C) Department of Neurosurgery University of Virginia Health System Charlottesville, Virginia Stroke Robert J. Wityk, MD, and Rafael H. Llinas, MD. American College of Physicians, Philadelphia, 2007. ISBN: 1- 930513- 70- 4, $ 49.95. Scope: This is a primer aimed at internists and non-neurologists with the hope of familiarizing them with the rudimentary aspects of stroke- its causes, presentations, evaluation, and treatment. With few exceptions, the chapters are written by faculty members of The Johns Hopkins University Medical School and the book is edited by two of the leaders in stroke neurology at that institution. Strengths: The book is very well organized and covers the practical issues in the care of stroke patients. In general, the chapters present material in a straightforward, easily understood style. Case examples, key points, useful tables, general principles, and guides to treatment are sprinkled generously throughout. Illustrations are relatively sparse but well chosen. The book is very user- friendly to those inexperienced in the topic. The authors of the chapters are clearly knowledgeable about their respective fields and effectively convey the necessary information. I could not find any didactic points to quarrel with, and all the chapters are of very good quality. Weaknesses: The information is relatively basic for neurologists, especially those specialized in stroke. There is little about neuro- ophthalmology Critical Appraisal: This is a very good book for internists and neurologists who do not specialize in stroke. Useful practical information and guides are packed into a relatively small, handy book. The book is very user friendly and up-to- date. Louis R. Caplan, MD Department of Neurology Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Harvard Medical School Boston, Massachusetts Fragments of Neurological History John M. S. Pearce. Imperial College Press, London, 2003. ISBN: 978- 1- 86094- 338- 6, $ 82.00. Scope: This book is a compendium ( and amplification) of " space fillers" that appeared one- by- one over the past several decades in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry ( JNNP). The author was asked to compose " jottings" of biographical details and medical contributions of our forebears in medicine, mostly neurologists, and mostly European. You will encounter the " big names" of eponymic fame- Virchow, Broca, Westphal, Meniere, Binswanger, Brown- Sequard, and many, many others- with their delicious idiosyncrasies described in 135 short essays that make for wonderful bedtime reading. Strengths: If you want to find out where the titans behind the syndromes came from, who promoted them and who impeded their professional progress, how they philandered, whose ideas they plundered, and how they died, then you will love this book. It is like reading the gossip column, but several hundred years later. Apart from unearthing gossip, the author has done a fine job of setting the historical record straight. For example, he points out that Sir Charles Bell ( by the way, not the other Scottish physician Joseph Bell, who was the model for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes) described a facial palsy that followed trauma, not the idiopathic ( posrviral) version we now call " Bell's palsy." There are five wonderful essays on Duane, Marcus Gunn, Holmes, Adie, Bernard, and Horner. Weaknesses: Just when you are warmed up and ready to learn about the juicy details, you are often disappointed that the author could not come up with much beyond standard demographics. By way of explanation, the author quotes William Munk as saying that " the more successful a physician is, the less is there to meet observation or to court publicity, and the less material, therefore, for biography." That is true for many of our heroes of yesteryear, but fortunately not all. Recommended Audience: This book will be especially enjoyable for history buffs, particularly those with an interest in quirky biographical information about the figures whose names we invoke every day. Critical Appraisal: Notwithstanding the often trite biographical accounts, there is plenty of delightful material here. Nowhere else are you likely to find this variety of nifty information under one cover. Jonathan D. Trobe, MD Kellogg Eye Center University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan 86 © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Book Reviews J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 28, No. 1, 2008 Medicine in Quotations, 2nd Edition Edward J. Huth, MD, and T. Jock Murray, MD. American College of Physicians, Philadelphia, 2006. ISBN: 1- 930513- 67- 4, $ 52.00. Scope: This is a collection of quotations about medicine and health assembled by two learned physicians from then-own collection and contributions of others. The authors are estimable: Huth, an internist, was for 19 years the editor of Annals of Internal Medicine; Murray, a neurologist, is the former chair of the Board of Regents of the American College of Physicians and former dean of the medical school at Dalhousie University. The quotations are grouped alphabetically by topic; quotations within each topic are listed chronologically. For example, under the topic " doctors," there are 60 quotations, starting with Marcus Valerius Martialis in 50 AD and ending with Sherwin Nuland in 2001. As you move through the 4 pages on " doctors," you will find quotations from Petrarch, Paracelsus, Montaigne, Moliere, ( Jonathan) Swift, ( Alexander) Pope, ( Benjamin) Franklin, Twain, ( Oliver Wendell) Holmes, ( Arthur Conan) Doyle, and ( George Bernard) Shaw, to name the better known figures. There is also an index by authors. Strengths: This is a marvelous resource for the rounds-person and after- dinner quipper. It is also an education in how wordsmiths have viewed medical topics through the course of time. In that way, it is a history of medicine- and it is marvelously illuminating. For example, Shaw is quoted as saying, " Even the fact that doctors themselves die of the very diseases they profess to cure passes unnoticed." And Osier, who apparently said, " We doctors have always been a simple, trusting folk! Did we not believe Galen implicitly for fifteen hundred years?" The only other source of this type is Familiar Medical Quotations ( M. Strauss, editor), a book last published 50 years ago. Weaknesses: This book is, after all, like a dictionary. You are unlikely to leaf through it; you would consult it for the apt occasion. And if you are not given to stuffing your speeches with quotations, you might never open it. Recommended Audience: This book will appeal to anyone who loves language, history, or writing and especially to those who treasure the pithy quotation. Critical Appraisal: With over 400 pages of material put together by two authors who clearly love language and history, this is the ultimate resource for medical sayings. Jonathan D. Trobe, MD Kellogg Eye Center University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan 87 |
