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Show BOOK REVIEWS Section Editor: Optic Nerve Disorders, 2nd Edition Lanning B. Kline, MD, and Rod Foroozan, MD, Editors. Oxford University Press, New York, 2007. ISBN: 978- 0- 19- 531281- 2. Price $ 79.95. Scope: This is the second edition of a monograph originally published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology ( AAO) in 1996 as part of its Ophthalmic Monograph series. The original monograph covered anatomy, physiology, clinical testing, and clinical features of most optic neuropathies in 10 chapters and about 250 pages. It was edited by Lanning B. Kline, MD, a noted neuro- ophthalmologist ( and now chair of ophthalmology at University of Alabama- Birmingham), who also wrote several chapters. The AAO contracted to Oxford University Press to reissue these monographs under Oxford's banner and with the input of its experienced copyeditors. The second edition is not very different from the first except that many of the authors have changed. Dr. Kline remains as co- editor ( and author) and is joined by Rod Foroozan, MD, who has co-authored two chapters. One of the authors from the previous edition ( John Morrison, MD) is still featured, but the remaining authors have been replaced by Lawrence Buono, MD, Eugene Eng, MD, Lisa Hinckley, MD, John Kerrison, MD, Michael Siatkowski, MD, and Michael Vaphiades, DO. Each has done a creditable job. Strengths: Anatomic features, physiologic principles, and clinical features are broadly yet succinctly covered. The prose is consistently clear and very readable, no doubt reflecting the skill of Catharine Carlin, Oxford's chief copyeditor on this volume. The illustrations, many carried over from the first edition, are a judicious mixture of colorful and beautifully rendered anatomic and schematic drawings, fundus photos, visual fields, brain imaging, and histopathologic pictures. The authors ably handle the critical clinical issues and provide up- to- date information, some of it drawn from clinical trials and much of it new in this edition. The references have also been updated. The authors are forthright about acknowledging when evidence does not support standard treatments ( as in corticosteroids or optic canal decompression for indirect trauma to the optic nerve). Weaknesses: The topic is narrow- optic neuropathy and only optic neuropathy. Recommended Audience: The book is written for ophthalmologists ( and perhaps neurologists), but will they be willing to purchase a volume with such narrow coverage?- perhaps, if it comes at a bargain price as part of a subscription for the entire monograph series. 330 A. Newman, MD Critical Appraisal: This is a tidy take on an important topic. For those who want " the short version," it is a fine choice. Neuro- ophthalmologists may not discover enough content, but if they are teaching this material, they should consider it a useful resource. At the very least, the anatomic and schematic illustrations are worth cribbing. Jonathan D. Trobe, MD Kellogg Eye Center University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan How to Examine the Nervous System, 4th Edition Robert T Ross, CM, MD, DSc, FRCP. Humana Press, Totawa, NJ, 2006. ISBN: 978- 1- 58- 829835- 5. Cost $ 59.00. Scope: This is a 211- page single- author paperback book describing the technique of performing a general neurologic examination. The author is an erudite, well- respected neurologist, and it is clear that he has abundant enthusiasm for neurology and for teaching. Some of the chapters are symptom- based ( loss of vision, conjugate gaze deviation, ptosis), some are anatomically based ( upper limb, lower limb), and some are based on neurologic function ( reflexes, gait). This feature does not detract from the appeal of the text but may seem confusing to students. There is a surprisingly large amount of text devoted to the neuro- ophthalmic examination ( 7 chapters, 86 pages). Strengths: The author's writing style is smooth and confident, based on years of neurologic practice and teaching. He achieves an excellent mixture of necessary attention to detail without an over- reliance on technique. Students of neurology at all levels of experience will benefit from the practical advice about interpreting physical findings. Because the formal neurologic examination has not changed substantially in many years, none of the information is outdated. Although specific diseases are not covered, the author skillfully integrates the clinical applications of each test. Weaknesses: The organization of the chapters is non-intuitive: the upper limb and lower limb are discussed in chapters separate from the corticospinal system and sensation. Although the amount of attention to neuro-ophthalmology is welcome, it seems a little disproportionate, particularly when speech and station/ gait/ balance receive a combined total of 6 pages! More figures and / Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 27, No. 4, 2007 Book Reviews J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 27, No. 4, 2007 tables would be helpful. Although this book does not claim to be a neuroanatomy review, some diagrams would be helpful to better understand the basis of a physical finding. Recommended Audience: This book serves well as a review of the neurologic examination. It is not detailed enough for neurology residents but would be excellent for ophthalmology residents, practicing ophthalmologists, internists, and neuro- ophthalmologists wishing the reacquaint themselves with the complete neurologic examination. Critical Appraisal: This is an extremely well- written primer on the neurologic examination. This would make a nice companion to a traditional neurology textbook. Gregory P. Van Stavern, MD Kresge Eye Institute Wayne State University Detroit, Michigan Human Brain Anatomy in Computerized Images, 2nd Edition Hanna Damasio, MD. Oxford University Press, New York, 2005. ISBN: 978- 0- 19- 516561- 6, $ 125.00. Scope: This is a meticulously prepared brain atlas of the cortical and sulcal anatomy of more than 30 human living subjects using a voxel- rendering technique developed in the author's laboratory. This second edition offers entirely new images from new living subjects. The stated goals of this work are to assist both clinicians and researchers in analyzing human neuroanatomic images and to serve as a teaching tool for students primarily learning about neuroanatomy through modern radiology images rather than through post- mortem specimens. Unlike most anatomic atlases that are never actually " read" but are opened and quickly paged through when needed to look up relevant anatomy, this book requires some careful study before use. The first chapter must be digested to orient oneself to the organization of the sections and to understand the rationale behind the use of multiple subjects' brains rather than just one set of images. In the opening pages of the second chapter one finds a gold mine of plainly stated information, summarizing all of the important sulcal and cortical landmarks of the brain. Color- coded three- dimensional ( 3D) renderings of a dolichocephalic ( otherwise normal) brain follow. The sulci are identified and the gyri are labeled. There is a useful set of images with Brodmann's cytoarchitectonic regions superimposed on the gyri. Chapters 3 and 4 depict the 3D surface rendering of normal brachycephahc brains to illustrate differences from the dolichocephalic brain in Chapter 2. Chapter 5 presents a series of 26 normal, 3D- labeled brains in black and white, each viewed from 6 directions, allowing one to appreciate the variability between subjects. Chapter 6, entitled " Quantifying Neuroanatomic Differences," coauthored with John Allen and Joel Brass, is a departure from the remainder of the atlas, reading more as a primer for quantifying brain structures using MRI and specialized software. There is also a summary of the literature on brain volumetric studies. Chapters 7 through 9 comprise the bulk of the atlas, with over 500 pages of two- dimensional MRI black and white slices, 5 mm thick, from three different brains. " Non-brain structures" ( scalp, orbits, bone, etc.) are removed from the images for labeling ease, an approach initially unsettling to those accustomed to viewing in vivo CT scans and MRIs. Strengths: A major thrust here is the emphasis on the differences in sulcal and cortical anatomy between and within individuals and how the failure to recognize these differences will inevitably lead to errors in both clinical practice and research. Likewise, the lack of standardized radiology imaging planes of orientation is discussed as another source of anatomic confusion. To those ends, the complete sets of brain images presented in three different axial angles, in three differently shaped heads ( dolichocephalic, brachycephahc, and extreme brachycephahc) are particularly helpful for research and everyday clinical practice. This approach is really quite remarkable compared with the traditional neuroanatomical atlas practice of presenting one " standardized" set of images, perhaps even in multiple planes, but ignoring the frastratingly common problem of trying to locate a patient's lesion to a specific gyrus in the face of obvious neuroanatomical variations. Dr. Damasio's atlas tackles this problem " head on," giving the user multiple normal variations to scrutinize. Weaknesses: The atlas is dedicated entirely to cerebral cortical and sulcal anatomy. A disappointing ( but intentional) feature is the lack of labeling of any brainstem nuclei or white matter fiber tracks ( beyond the corpus callosum and internal capsule). The lobules of the vermis are not named. With hundreds of pages and an initially confusing array of images, color- coded tabs on page edges marking the sections would have facilitated quick referencing. Recommended Audience: Any physician or researcher who evaluates neuroanatomic images may rely on this atlas as a precise reference for gyral and sulcal localization and variations. The atlas should be an excellent source for interpreting functional MRI studies and for the preoperative localization of brain lesions. Students who are primarily 331 J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 27, No. 4, 2007 Book Reviews learning about neuroanatomy through MRI and CT will find this a dependable teaching tool. Critical Appraisal: Dr. Damasio has produced a painstakingly comprehensive second edition of her atlas of human brain anatomy. If readers absorb the first 2 chapters, they will be rewarded with a thorough understanding of the individual variability of the human brain. Julie A. Matsumoto, MD University of Virginia Health Sciences System Charlottesville, Virginia Thieme Atlas of Anatomy: Head and Neuroanatomy Michael Schuenke, MD, PhD, Erik Schulte, MD, Udo Schumacher, MD, et al. Thieme, Stuttgart, Germany, 2007. ISBN: 1- 58890- 441- 5, $ 64.95. Scope: This is the first English translation of the famous Thieme Atlas published in German in 2006. It is one of three atlases in a series. The others are entitled General Anatomy and Musculoskeletal System and Neck and Internal Organs. Like the other two atlases in the series, this is a giant softcover book of over 400 pages and more than 1,000 illustrations. The illustrations are drawings, but unlike other anatomic atlases, the drawings are not limited to anatomy. They include schematic diagrams that illustrate physiology, histology, and clinical examination. Strengths: The medical artists at work here are incomparable. The effect is breathtaking. You can inspect the tissues from every conceivable angle and in various layers. The anatomic renderings are matched with pictures of clinical and physiologic phenomena to make this into a complete teaching package. For example, the arterial circulation of the brain is shown first from its origin in the aortic arch, then from the skull base, then in relation to the underside of the brain, from the convexity, with the frontal operculum retracted, and from the interhemispheric fissure. Then the arterial domains of each circumflex vessel are shown anatomically and schematically together with the common stroke syndromes. Weaknesses: There are no weaknesses. Recommended Audience: This book is of interest to anyone who cares about the anatomy of the head. Critical Appraisal: This atlas is a publication triumph. Available in the past only with German text, it is now accessible to the English- speaking world. The drawings are collector's items. Because it is paperbound, even the price is right. Behold the marvel of brain anatomy as limned by experts. Jonathan D. Trobe, MD Kellogg Eye Center University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan Medical Decision Making Harold C. Sox, MD, Marshall A. Blatt, MD, Michael C. Higgins, PhD, and Keith I. Marton, MD. American College of Physicians, Philadelphia, 2007. ISBN: 1- 930513- 79- 8, $ 39.95. Scope: This is a rapid- fire introduction to the use of Bayes' theorem in understanding, assessing, and selecting tests to prove or disprove a diagnostic differential diagnosis and therapeutic options. The book is divided into 11 chapters, including the process of differential diagnosis, quantifying uncertainty, use of Bayes' theorem in analyzing new information, and measuring the accuracy of clinical data. The authors then go on to talk about valued decision making and measuring the outcome of care. The last sections move on to decision- making when outcomes have several dimensions, selection and interpretation of diagnostic tests, bedside decision analysis, and cost- effective analysis. The authors also include an appendix on test characteristics and life tables. Each chapter is followed by questions based on the material within the chapter, requiring use of formulas and calculations. Strengths: The authors have a proselytizing approach to the importance of the cost- benefit ratio and analytic decision making. They point out easy ways of applying these basic principles to everyday diagnostic and therapeutic decision making. The authors obviously have had experience in teaching these basic concepts to physicians long unaccustomed to statistical formulation. Weaknesses: Some of the cartoons could be somewhat more professionally done. Recommended Audience: This book would be useful for medical students, house officers, and practicing physicians. Critical Appraisal: Over 100 years ago, Sir William Osier's person- to- person bedside approach became the model for medical training in the United States in the 20th century. But this " eminence"- based medical model is now vying with the " evidence"- based model, particularly as we invent increasing numbers of tests and therapeutic options that force an emphasis on considering cost- benefit ratios. An understanding of the importance of medical statistics, the application of Bayes' theorem, and probability equations will become an imperative part of all aspects of medical care. This book makes a substantial contribution to this trend. 332 © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Book Reviews J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 27, No. 4, 2007 Steven A. Newman, MD University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia Ophthalmic Ultrasound: A Diagnostic Atlas, 2nd Edition Cathy W. DiBernardo, RN, RDMS, ROUB, and Ellen F. Greenberg, COT, RDMS, ROUB. Thieme, New York, 2007. ISBN: 978- 3- 13- 108632- 7, $ 99.95. Scope: This book represents an extensively updated version of the successful first edition published in 1998 and co- authored by Cathy DiBarnardo, Andrew Schachat, and Sharon Fekrat. This new volume highlights the major advances in ophthalmic ultrasound developed and improved over the past decade and more clearly expands the echographic characteristics of a wide variety of ocular and orbital lesions. The book is divided into 11 chapters. An introductory chapter presents a thorough review of basic screening techniques and labeling conventions. A single chapter devoted to the anterior segment has been extensively expanded with many new images, including excellent photos using the 20 and 50 MHz ( UBM) probes. These include a wide variety of common and unusual disease processes. Three chapters, " Vitreous," " Retina," and " Choroid," cover posterior segment disease. The previous chapter on orbital disease has been divided into three new chapters covering the retrobulbar optic nerve, extraocular muscles, and orbital lesions. There is a separate chapter on ocular trauma, and a very comprehensive chapter on intraocular tumors. A final chapter briefly discusses biometry and some unusual conditions such as glaucoma valves and scleral buckles. Each chapter has a small but useful list of selected references for those who wish to explore the subject further. Strengths: The major strength of this book is its authors, both of whom have many years of experience in an academic ultrasound facility. The atlas includes more than 550 high- quality figures to illustrate examination techniques and ultrasonic characteristics of more than 100 disease processes. It provides a quick pictorial reference guide for common disorders encountered in clinical practice, clearly demonstrating their characteristic echographic features. The book is easy to use and conditions are grouped conveniently by anatomic region of the eye and orbit. The figures are nicely labeled with arrows or letters indicating the sites of pathology. Weaknesses: The most important weakness of this book is the scant and largely absent correlation between clinical and histologic characteristics of disease processes and corresponding echographic findings. Such correlation would help the reader understand what is represented on the images. Also missing is any discussion of the physics of ultrasonography to give an understanding of how various components of the image are generated. In addition, there is also no discussion of various probe frequencies, when and why they are used, or how they give different types of information. Finally, it is widely acknowledged that the results of ophthalmic ultrasonography are extremely operator dependent. This book, like most similar volumes, does not discuss any details of artifacts, why they can be misinterpreted, and how they can be avoided by the operator. This information would be very useful for the novice ophthalmic user who is not a professional echographer. Recommended Audience: This book will be a welcome addition to the library of ophthalmic care providers- those in practice and those in training, physicians, and non-physicians. It will also be useful for non- ophthalmic echographers and radiologists who occasionally examine the eye. Critical Appraisal: Cathy DiBernardo and Ellen Greenberg, widely respected authorities on ophthalmic ultrasound, have brought their considerable expertise to this atlas. The book serves primarily as a reference comparative atlas to be used by those performing such echography. It will not serve the needs of individuals who are seeking a more comprehensive understanding of ultrasonography and its components as a diagnostic instrument. Jonathan J. Dutton, MD, PhD University of North Carolina School of Medicine Chapel Hill, North Carolina Clinical and Basic Oculomotor Research Stefano Ramat, PhD, and Dominik Straumann, MD. New York Academy of Sciences, New York, 2005. ISBN: 1- 57331- 566- 4, $ 129.95. Scope: This book contains a collection of papers ( 42 platform and 33 posters) presented at a satellite meeting of the Barany Society. The meeting, " Clinical and Basic Ocular Motor Research," was held in Siena, Italy, from July 3- 5,2004 and celebrated the 60th birthday of David S. Zee. The papers are well illustrated, concise, and clearly written. As the editors stated in their preface, the aim of the volume was to provide researchers with a state- of- the- art update and foster the interaction between basic and clinical researchers and the translation of their research to bedside treatment. The book is divided into seven sections. Consistent with the primary thrust of Dr. Zee's research- to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with ocular motor 333 J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 27, No. 4, 2007 Book Reviews and vestibular disorders- the major sections of the book are entitled, " Part II. Vestibulo- Ocular Reflex," " Part III. Saccades," and " Part VI. Pathophysiology." The remaining sections, " Part I. Extraocular Muscles," " Part IV Pursuit, Vergence, and Ocular Following," " Part V Psychophys-ics," and " Part VII. Short Papers" provide selections in other important areas of ocular motor research. Strengths: The papers in this book reflect the expertise of their authors, all knowledgeable in ocular motor control. The breadth of topics guarantees that there is something for every one with an interest in normal and abnormal ocular motor function. One particular gem is the paper on proprioception in the extraocular eye muscles. Virtually ignored for four decades, the putative role of proprioception in the ongoing calibration of the ocular motor system has finally become the subject of anatomic and physiologic research. Another fine paper establishes the beneficial effects of yellow filters on magnocellular function, especially motion detection, suggesting that such lenses would benefit those with nystagmus, who have elevated motion-detection thresholds. Weaknesses: I would have liked to see more on nystagmus, in all its forms. However, research need not be directed at a specific topic to have basic and clinical relevance to that topic. Recommended Audience: This book successfully reaches its target audience- basic and clinical researchers. It would also be worthwhile reading for all physicians whose specialty includes diagnosing and treating ocular motor disorders. They may make the critical inferences that enable additional transitions from the data and conclusions found in the papers in this book to better diagnosis and treatment, the goal of Dr. Zee. Critical Appraisal: This is one of a long series of conference- initiated books that must be on the shelves of all ocular motor researchers if they are to remain current. State- of- the- art research by experienced scientists in their fields; what more could you ask for? Louis F. Dell'Osso, PhD Daroff- Dell'Osso Ocular Motility Laboratory Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center and CASE Medical School Cleveland, Ohio Fundamentals of Neurology: An Illustrated Guide Mark Mumnethaler, MD, Heinrich Mattle, MD, and Ethan Taub, MD. Thieme, Stuttgart, Germany, 2006. ISBN 3- 13- 136451- 3, $ 59.95. Scope: This is the fifth edition of an English translation of a venerated Swiss textbook of neurology aimed at medical students. As a full- size paperbound book of nearly 300 pages and 396 illustrations, it amply covers the standard subject matter in the field, including history- taking, the neurologic examination, localization of lesions, and the principal brain and spinal cord disorders. The authors write succinctly and rely heavily on tables and schematic illustrations. Strengths: The authors have deftly summarized the important principles of neurologic diagnosis and highlighted the " pearls." The writing is excellent. You would never know that the original version was not in English. As with Thieme publications, each page is handsomely laid out so that text and illustrations balance and enhance one another. The schematics are brilliant- elegant and simple, yet accurate and informative. The production values- fonts, paper, binding, glossy paper, quality of reproduction of MRI scans, and use of two- color format ( red and black)- are of highest quality. Weaknesses: Much of the material is deja vu for practitioners of neurology. Recommended Audience: Medical students and neuro-ophthalmologists, and perhaps ophthalmologists and neurosurgeons would find this book useful. Critical Appraisal: This is a beautifully constructed work of fine pedagogy. I cannot imagine a more aesthetic, accessible presentation of clinical neurology. It works as an introduction or recapitulation of the field. Check it out. Jonathan D. Trobe, MD Kellogg Eye Center University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan Ultimate Review for the Neurology Boards Hubert H. Fernandez, MD, Stephan Eisenschenk, MD, Anthony T Yachnis, MD, and Michael S. Okun, MD. Demos Medical Publishing, LLC, New York, 2006. ISBN: 1- 888799- 91- 9, $ 79.95. Scope: This book targets those preparing for the neurology board examination, a written and oral examination. The oral examination will be phased out in 2009. The book provides a brief overview of the content of the oral examination and practical tips on preparing for it and taking it. The lion's share of the book is directed to dispensing information appropriate for the written examination. 334 © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Book Reviews J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 27, No. 4, 2007 As the goal is to present many facts with minimal text, the authors use outline form. The alternative source for such a review is a book by Geyer et al, which is even more telegraphic. This book provides more context for the " pearls." The chapters are thematically organized. Standard clinical topics and clinical neurophysiology are covered in the first half of the text. The second half addresses pediatric neurology, psychiatry, brief treatments of some neurology-related subspecialties, and several basic neuroscience topics identified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology as featured areas of examination. Some chapters are minimalistic in their outline presentation, whereas others are so detail- packed that they take on a paragraph- like feel. Most are in between, with a recognizable outline format that occasionally blossoms into sentences or near sentences when the author wishes to stress an important point or provide additional context. There is a companion Web site for this book, which offers computerized " flash cards" and abbreviated clinical vignettes. The Web site material also doubles as a self- test section. Strengths: This book touches on a huge body of information in a well- organized fashion. The Web site resource is particularly useful, especially for illustrations. Weaknesses: As with most outline- formatted review books, the staccato presentation neither transports the reader nor provides enough context to provide true understanding of the facts presented. But this book is not meant to serve as a primary source of learning, rather it serves as a review of previously learned material. The reader will not be able to rely on this book as a thorough review. For example, neuroradiology and neuropathology are not addressed. Inaccurate or mistaken information is occasionally presented. Recommended Audience: Board- eligible neurologists looking for a big- picture review of information encountered during their residency will appreciate this book. Others who may benefit from this book include neurologists planning to take their 10- year recertification examination. Neurology residents preparing for their in- service examination would benefit from a read- through. Critical Appraisal: This book is a compromise between a neurology house officer's survival guide and a detailed review outline. Those who like either type of book will want to check this one out. It can certainly help consolidate previously acquired information. Trainees with large areas of knowledge deficits will need a more comprehensive and intensive approach to prepare adequately for the board examination. Russell H. Swerdlow, MD Department of Neurology University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia 335 |