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Show BOOK REVIEWS Section Editor: Steven A. Newman, MD Common Neuro- Ophthalmic Pitfalls: Case- Based Teaching Valerie A. Purvin, MD and Aki Kawasaki, MD. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 2009. ISBN 978- 0- 521- 71326- 9, $ 81.00. Scope: With a case- based approach, this book is intended to bridge the gap between textbook information and the everyday experience of practicing neuro- ophthalmologists. Rather than the standard textbook organization by disease process, the book is divided into 12 chapters, each representative of a particular diagnostic challenge: when ocular disease is mistaken for neurologic disease; when orbital disease is mistaken for neurologic disease; mis-taking congenital anomalies for acquired disease; radio-graphic errors; incidental findings; failure of pattern recognition; clinical findings that are subtle; misinterpre-tation of visual fields; neuro- ophthalmic look- alikes; over-reliance on negative tests; over- ordering tests; and management misadventures. Several cases are presented in each chapter to illustrate diagnostic principles of common and sometimes confusing neuro- ophthalmic disorders, and the text is generously supplemented with illustrative figures and useful tables. Summarizing tips are provided at the end of each case discussion, highlighting the key aspects of the clinical presentation. In cases of unusual neuroimaging abnormalities, normal images are provided for side- by- side comparison. A list of suggested reading is provided at the end of each chapter. Strengths: The novel organization, carefully chosen cases, and clarity of writing are all highly effective in creating a wonderfully readable text. Cases are presented as unknowns, and questions are posed as the case unfolds to make them challenging and interactive. Many of the conditions or presentations are compared in ways not found in any standard textbook. For example, transient monocular visual loss from corneal disease is compared with the ocular ischemic syndrome. The critical importance of the history and examination in evaluating patients with neuro-ophthalmic disease becomes clear, with memorable clinical pearls shared from the collective experience of two master clinicians with an uncanny diagnostic acumen. Weaknesses: It is hard to find fault with this book, which is the first medical book I have read that was not only informative but also enjoyable to read. Although there is some repetition of material in the case presentations found within the subsequent discussions, it does serve to reinforce the illustrative points of the cases. Recommended Audience: This book achieves its goal of appealing to a broad audience, ranging from medical students and residents to practicing neurologists, ophthal-mologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, and even seasoned neuro- ophthalmologists. Critical Appraisal: The authors have accomplished the remarkable feat of writing a medical book that makes learning a complex subject both interesting and fun. The astute observations and clinical pearls underscore what the field of neuro- ophthalmology is all about. Although many outstanding neuro- ophthalmology textbooks exist, the authors have written a text that is sure to become a classic. Marjorie A. Murphy, MD Division of Ophthalmology Rhode Island Hospital Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University Providence, Rhode Island Curbside Consultation in Neuro- Ophthalmology: 49 Clinical Questions Andrew G. Lee, MD, Paul W. Brazis, MD, and Lanning B. Kline, MD, Associate Editors. SLACK Inc., Thorofare, NJ, 2009. ISBN 978- 1- 55642- 840- 1, $ 79.95. Scope: This is a text developed for ophthalmologists in a series that includes ‘‘ curbside consultations'' for many other subspecialties in ophthalmology. In this volume, the editors have compiled a list of 49 questions and posed them to master clinicians in the field of neuro- ophthalmology. Each question begins with a short clinical vignette. Examples of some questions that follow are: How should an optic glioma be managed? What neuroimaging studies should I order? Is there a difference in the management of pseudotumor in pregnancy? What is the evaluation of anisocoria? What is opsoclonus and how do manage it? The contributing authors include, among others, Neil Miller, James Corbett, Nancy Newman, Steve Newman, Michael Wall, and Randy Kardon. Their answers are designed to meet four criteria: current, concise, credible, and clinically relevant. The book runs to 214 pages, 370 J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 29, No. 4, 2009 including the index. After each answer, there is a summary with bullet points and a few pertinent references. Strengths: The authors have provided well- written responses that should offer excellent guidance to general ophthalmologists who grapple with these difficult issues. Weakness: In any multiple- authored textbook, there is always some variability in the quality of chapters. Although this is the case here, I would rate all the chapters as very good to excellent. Recommended Audience: In the preface, the editors point out that the target audience of the book is the practicing ophthalmologist. This is clearly a handy book for the practitioner to quickly consult when faced with one of the clinical questions. A secondary audience for the text is residents and fellows, who will also find it informative. For the neuro- ophthalmologist, most of the material would be well known. However, it is instructive to see how our colleagues are answering these curbside consultations. Critical Appraisal: This is an excellent book that admirably achieves its purpose. It is highly recommended. Walter M. Jay, MD Department of Ophthalmology Loyola University Medical Center Maywood, Illinois Ophthalmology, 3rd Edition Myron Yanoff, MD and Jay S. Duker, MD. Mosby Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA, 2009. ISBN 978- 0- 323- 04332- 8, $ 415.00, Scope: This multi- authored text provides a comprehensive review of ophthalmology, both in breadth and depth of coverage, and is sufficient to answer all but the most detailed subspecialty question. The authors follow the direc-tive of the first two editions, aiming this text at trainees, non- ophthalmologists, and comprehensive ophthalmolo-gists. The entries are not as detailed as in subspecialty publications, but the text is more manageable than multi-volume series and successful in providing most of the information needed for all but the most detailed reviews. The book is organized into 12 parts by a blend of anatomy and subspecialty, with each part color- coded for ease of navigation. Each part is divided into chapters that use a consistent template to review a disease, procedure, or diagnostic test. Each chapter begins with a definition of the chapter title, key features, and associated features and is full of large, easy- to- read tables, color illustrations, and figures. The chapters are extensively referenced. Strengths: The color- coding and chapter template format make the text easy to follow. The text is well illustrated with a multitude of large and visually appealing color figures that encourage the reader to peruse multiple chapter sections. The size and color of the photography move the reader along. There is excellent coverage of relevant basic science without being excessive and a consistent focus on advances in clinical conditions, diagnostics, and treatments. The sections on genetics, ophthalmic technology, immu-nology, and tuberculosis have been expanded. The book retains the size of previous editions due to rigorous purging of outdated material. Weaknesses: This text is not able to attain an encyclopedic depth of each area and still remain as a single portable volume. That being said, the practitioner looking to review in such depth would be unlikely to choose a single textbook. Extensive references direct the reader elsewhere. Recommended Audience: The authors have succeeded in reaching their target audience of trainees, non- ophthalmic physicians, and comprehensive ophthalmologists. Ophthal-mic subspecialists would, however, also do well to obtain this text to review areas outside their area of expertise and will doubtless pick up pointers in their own field. Critical Appraisal: This book deserves a place as the first source to review any area of interest or any point of uncertainty in clinical ophthalmology. The format allows quick access. It is well written and easily read, interesting, and full of excellent references. Hilary A. Beaver, MD Methodist Eye Associates Houston, Texas Glaucoma Tarek M. Shaarawy, MD, Mark B. Sherwood, FRCP, FRCOphth, Roger A. Hitchings, FRCOphth, and Jonathan G. Crowston, MD, PhD. Saunders Elsevier, Maryland Heights, MO, 2009. 978- 0- 7020- 2976- 9, $ 430.00. Scope: This major glaucoma textbook of more than 1300 pages covers both medical and surgical glaucoma. It is divided into a volume covering each. A CD is included and an online text is available. The first volume encompasses medical glaucoma and glaucoma diagnosis but includes many current concepts not 371 Book Reviews J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 29, No. 4, 2009 typically found previously in such a text. Sections such as ‘‘ Glaucoma in the World'' and ‘‘ Horizons'' include public health, neuroprotection, and gene therapy. There are excellent sections on current imaging techniques. The second volume encompasses established surgical therapy as well as newer therapies such as deep penetrating sclerectomy, and the EXPRESS mini shunt. It has detailed information on postoperative management and complications. Strengths: The color coding of sections makes it easy to find them. Pictures and figures enhance the text. Colored text boxes for summaries and commentary of topics are helpful. Weaknesses: The photographs are not of especially high quality. Some of the figures are too small. Recommended Audience: This text is most suitable for ophthalmologists who have a serious interest in glaucoma or a need for a detailed glaucoma reference. Glaucoma fellows and training programs in particular would benefit from its information. It is quickly becoming my favorite text. Critical Appraisal: The editors, who hail from four countries, have assembled an excellent international cast of authors and have provided a current comprehensive text on glaucoma, which is, after all, the most common optic neuropathy. Sandra M. Johnson, MD Department of Ophthalmology University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia Pickwell's Binocular Vision Anomalies, 5th Edition Bruce J. W. Evans, PhD, FCOptom. Butterworth- Heinemann Elsevier, Edinburgh, UK, 2007. ISBN 978- 0- 7506- 8897- 0, $ 113.00. Scope: This is the fifth edition of a text on the clinical and practical aspects of binocular vision originally written by Professor David Pickwell. The author, Bruce Evans, is the Director of Research at the Institute of Optometry in London. The basis of the text is to elaborate on Dr. Pickwell's clinical and research experience. The author points out that many works in the field of optometric binocular vision, especially as they relate to behavioral vision therapy, were not performed using evidence- based approaches and thus may need to be revisited. He therefore tries to prioritize those methods and treatments that have been validated with double- masked, randomized, placebo-controlled trials. The book is divided into four parts and includes an appendix, glossary, and references. It also includes a CD-ROM. Each condition is ordered to include a definition, investigation, evaluation, and management. The first part is an introduction to binocular vision anomalies and the general examination. The second part is dedicated exclusively to heterophoria. The third part concentrates on strabismus. The fourth part deals with incomitant misalignment and nystagmus. Strengths: This is a compressed but well- written book that includes enough basic information to lead the reader into more extensive details about each subject. The text is excellent in describing details of how to perform certain tests in a cookbook fashion and then provides algorithms on how to interpret the tests and where to institute treatments. The exquisite details of technique for certain examinations are quite useful ( retinoscopy, Maddox rod, and Hess and Lees screen). The tables and figures are easily interpretable and complement the text. At the end of each chapter are four or five clinical key points. For the optometric student or non- optometrist, the glossary is an excellent addition to quickly look up terms that might not be familiar. There are extensive references. In the field of amblyopia, the recent studies by the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group are included. Weaknesses: There is much in this work that is weakly supported by evidence, including vision therapy, the Meares- Irlen syndrome, and the use of colored lenses and inlays. In some instances the author is vague about the origin of certain diagnoses and makes scientifically unsupported assertions. Recommended Audience: This text is primarily directed to students of optometry and optometrists. Pediatric oph-thalmologists, neuro- ophthalmologists and orthoptists would gain in- depth knowledge of binocular vision testing and the optometric perspective. The focus on the United Kingdom providers is emphasized by the provision of a list of equipment suppliers in the UK and information on membership in the UK College of Optometrists. Also included are descriptions on the Diploma in Orthoptics of the College of Optometrists and Fellowship of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. Critical Appraisal: Despite its deficiencies, this is an excellent and useful text that elucidates the details of the optometric binocular vision examination and its interpretation. For pediatric ophthalmologists or neuro-ophthalmologists, the text provides useful details about 372 q 2009 North American Neuro- Ophthalmology Society J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 29, No. 4, 2009 Book Reviews the diagnosis, management, and treatment of controver-sial disorders from an optometric perspective. Reading it would provide a basis for more congenial and productive interactions. Mitchell B. Strominger, MD Department of Ophthalmology Tufts Medical Center Boston, Massachusetts Age- Related Changes of the Human Eye Carlo A. P. Cavallotti, MD, PhD and Luciano Cerulli, MD, PhD, Editors. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ, 2008. ISBN 978- 1- 934115- 55- 8, $ 179.00. Scope: This book forms part of a series on Aging Medicine that intends to offer clinical and research-orientated resources for physicians and researchers in-terested in aging medicine. The aim of this text is to provide a broad- based overview of the aging processes that occur in the human eye and to make this information accessible to specialists from all areas of ophthalmology. The text is divided into 22 chapters, each dealing with a specific anatomic compartment. The editors begin with a chapter on ‘‘ Aging as a Risk Factor in Eye Disease,'' thus setting the stage for subsequent discussion. This is followed by individual chapters on age- related changes in the eyelid, optics of the eye, cornea, lens, trabecular meshwork, and iris. The second half of the text deals with the vitreous, retina, retinal pigment epithelium, choroid, and various pathologic states affecting the posterior segment. The remainder of the book deals with topics such as intraocular pressure and visual rehabilitation in elderly individuals. In each chapter, experts in their respective fields present a summary of the morphologic, physiologic, and bio-chemical changes that occur as a result of the aging process. Each chapter is preceded by an abstract that summarizes the main areas covered. Each chapter is also accompanied by black and white illustrations. Strengths: The book is concise and relatively easy to read. Many of the chapters include comprehensive bibliographies that may serve as a launching pad for more detailed literature searches. Many of the authors also provide personal experimental data. A number of chapters stand out for their comprehensive approach, such as that on aging of the human lens. Weaknesses: The book is hampered by spelling and grammatical errors. There are also a few factual errors and inconsistent use of terminology (‘‘ latex degeneration'' vs. ‘‘ lattice degeneration''). The book's main weakness, how-ever, is the uneven quality of the content. There is also a considerable degree of overlap between the chapters, and some chapters in the latter half of the book may be of little interest to ophthalmologists. Curiously, the chapter entitled ‘‘ Treatment of Intraocular Pressure in Elderly Patients'' deals solely with the results of a study on the effects of systemic antihypertensive drugs on intraocular pressure. Recommended Audience: This book is likely to be of most interest to graduate students and as an introductory text for basic or clinical research. Critical Appraisal: Many aspects of the text are appealing, but there are some drawbacks in the execution that must be rectified in subsequent editions. Srinivas R. Sadda, MD Doheny Eye Institute University of Southern California Los Angeles, California Artificial Sight: Basic Research, Biomedical Engineering, and Clinical Advances Mark S. Humayun, MD, PhD, James D. Weiland, PhD, Gerald Chader, PhD, and Elias Greenbaum, PhD. Springer, New York, NY, 2007. ISBN 978- 0- 387- 49329- 9, $ 139.00. Scope: This book offers an overview of the research sponsored by the United States Department of Energy ( DOE) in support of a consortium that includes Second Sight Medical Products, Inc., University of Southern California, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and their related colleagues, and other researchers invited to make presentations at the Second DOE International Symposium on Artificial Sight. The researchers whowere not sponsored by the DOE represented the work of six groups of researchers from three countries outside the United States. Their inclusion is consistent with the spirit of the DOE to promote international cooperation in the pursuit of new technologies. A wide range of engineering and biologic topics is represented, including computational models of electro-magnetic and thermal effects in the eye, systems designs for retinal prosthetic devices, development of new devices for use with retinal prosthesis, in vitro retinal physiology, 373 Book Reviews J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 29, No. 4, 2009 biologic responses to electrical stimulation, and matters related to human testing. Strengths: Despite the large number of authors, the quality of the scientific presentation is very good. The authors and editors have made this widely disparate scientific material understandable to readers who are not part of the field of visual prosthetics. There is effective use of illustrations. The initial chapter of the book, which is written by some of the editors, provides a well- balanced overview of biologic considerations for an intraocular retinal prosthesis. The authors were astute in also covering the disadvantages of retinal or optic nerve prosthetic devices. The chapter by Horning and colleagues provides a manageable overview of the design of one type of prosthetic device, a description of some special technologies that have been developed by IMI Intelligent Medical Implants GmbH, including the ‘‘ retina encoder'' designed to help improve the quality of visual images after a prosthetic device is implanted. The book also provides a strong overview of the engineering challenges. Weaknesses: Neither the biologic nor engineering chapters contain sufficient detail for the advanced reader. The retinal encoder chapter could have included a more substantial description of preclinical studies needed to obtain regulatory approval to perform human tests. This topic should have had a chapter of its own. There is insufficient discussion of the results of human testing after chronic implants of retinal prosthetic devices. Recommended Audience: This book has material that will be of interest to electrical and materials science engineers, visual neuroscientists, and physicians, especially ophthal-mologists who care for patients who are potential candidates for visual prosthetic devices. For young scientists, it will be illuminating in terms of the shear scope of activities needed to create an implantable device for this purpose. For young physicians, it will provide variable insight into the engineering infrastructure that is needed to attempt to build sophisticated, implantable bio-electronic devices. For experienced clinicians, it will provide insight into the challenges of attempting to restore vision to the blind. Critical Appraisal: This is an excellent overview of progress on retinal and optic nerve visual prostheses. After reading it, you will be able to provide some hope to your patients by being familiar with the research in this area, and you also come away with a more realistic view of when and to what extent devices of this nature will be of value. Joseph F. Rizzo III, MD Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Harvard Medical School Boston, Massachusetts The Confabulating Mind: How the Brain Creates Reality Armin Schnider, MD. Oxford University Press, New York, NY, 2008. ISBN 978- 0- 19- 920675- 9, $ 57.50. Scope: The author has produced an invaluable contribution to the literature in cognitive neuroscience with his textbook on confabulation, the unintentional production of false memory. The ability to distinguish between real and illusory components in human percepts has been a key issue in the development of cognitive neuroscience, yet has been paid scant attention in recent publications. This fact may seem surprising given the extensive literature on false production of memory from the early 1880s through the 1960s. However, most early writings on the topic were in German or French and were therefore to some extent ignored in the English literature. Strengths: Because of the author's familiarity with English, German, and French, he has been able to meticulously analyze most of the publications on confabulation in their original language. He provides us with extensive quotations from papers dealing with the topic, as well as selected excerpts from the early literature that he has himself translated into English. He guides us through the subtle and exciting changes that have taken place with regard to the definition and pathologic interpretations of the concept of confabulation, from Kraepelin's idea of deficient critical sense ( 1886), to Korsakoff ' s hypothesis of anterograde and retrograde amnesia, acute confusion, and disorientation ( 1889), Van der Horst's claims that confabulation was the clinical expression of a gap- filling phenomenon ( 1932), and contemporary controversies on the topic. The volume is divided into nine chapters. Chapter 1 contains an introductory case report that illustrates the problem of confabulation. Chapter 2 discusses the history of ideas on confabulation, the ideas of suggestibility, theories and mechanisms behind gap- filling, and the role of toxic substances such as alcohol in the generation of confabulation. Chapter 3 discusses the various definitions of confabulatory clinical presentations, including diagnosis of behaviorally spontaneous confabulation and provoked vs. spontaneous confabulation. Chapter 4 reviews the etiologies and anatomic lesions resulting in confabulation. Chapter 5 describes disorders associated with or induced by confabulation, such as amnesia, disorientation, false recognition, paramnesia, misidentification, and anosognosia. The fascinating Chapter 6 covers false memories syndrome in healthy individuals, flashbulb memories, the distinction between normal false memory and pathologic confabulation, and the various ways 374 q 2009 North American Neuro- Ophthalmology Society J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 29, No. 4, 2009 Book Reviews to manipulate eyewitnesses. Chapter 7 analyzes the mech-anisms believed to underlie confabulation: gap- filling, altera-tion in personality and motivation, the executive hypothesis, reality and source monitoring, memory reconstruction and monitoring, the strategic retrieval hypothesis, and evolution of consciousness over time. Chapter 8 is devoted to the author's own research on behaviorally spontaneous confabulation and reality, including experimental results memory selection, clinical course and rehabilitation, evoked potential and imaging studies indicating early memory filtration, the possible nature of subcortical participation in memory selection, and a model of an online filter of reality in thinking. Chapter 9 deals with the anatomy and function of the orbitofrontal cortex and proposes a hypothesis linking extinction capacity- an orbitofrontal faculty- to reality control in thinking. Strengths: The author's broad grasp of neurophysiology, clinical neurology, neuropsychology, and neuro- imaging results in an in- depth presentation of the pathophysiology and subtle clinical variations of confabulation, their anat-omopathologic correlations, and options for rehabilitation. The volume also includes an exciting chapter on confabulation in normal individuals and on ways of modulating memories or inducing false memories. These issues have major implica-tions, as in altering visual memories in witnesses at trial. Weaknesses: There are none. Recommended Audience: Clinicians and researchers interested in the foundations of cognitive neurosciences will find this book a captivating addition to their library. Critical Appraisal: This is a beautifully presented, clearly illustrated, extensively referenced, and well- indexed volume. It reflects the breadth and depth of the author's scholarly personality, extensive clinical experience in neurology and neuropsychology, rigorous and comprehensive approach, and didactic ability. It has an essential place in the literature of cognitive neuroscience and should be required reading for those involved in the study of confabulation. Avinoam B. Safran, MD Department of Ophthalmology Geneva University Hospitals Geneva, Switzerland Mayo Clinic Essential Neurology Andrea C. Adams, MD. Informa Healthcare, Rochester, MN, 2008. ISBN 978- 1- 4200- 7973- 9, $ 99.95. Scope: This is a concise 392- page clinical neurology textbook focused on the most common adult neurologic symptoms. There are 14 chapters devoted to the evaluation and treatment of headache, back and limb pain, dizziness, sensory loss, weakness, cognitive loss, spells, pain, cerebrovascular disease, movement disorders, and immune, infectious and oncologic diseases. The first two chapters review the key principles of a thorough neurologic examination and of the primary diagnostic tests. Strengths: The author's keen experience as a clinician educator is well demonstrated. She skillfully selects the most important diseases and concisely crystallizes the most important evaluative and therapeutic points. All chapters are comprehensive without over- accentuating the neuroanatomy correlation. Highlights are the chapter on ‘‘ Spells,'' which covers the topics of epilepsy and sleep disorders, and the chapter on ‘‘ Headache.'' Both include excellent summary tables of therapeutic options including side effect profiles. The illustrations are colorful, appealing, and underscore the text well, whether it be a localization point, a brain CT scan, or a muscle biopsy. The length of the textbook is manageable, and it is very readable. Weaknesses: There are no representative clinical case studies. Although the author may have intentionally left them out to achieve a concise textbook, clinical case studies often provide a good introduction to neurology for the novice. The essentials presented in this textbook will be easily mastered by neurology- oriented residents- in- train-ing, so the ‘‘ Recommended Reading'' section at the end of each chapter is an important feature. Because the neuro-infectious and neuroimmunologic diseases are combined in one chapter, details in this section are sparse. For example, herpes virus is mentioned only in a table. A pithy discussion could be added to underscore important clinical clues ( seizure or psychiatric presentation, brain MRI, electroencephalogram, and cerebrospinal fluid findings) in this life- threatening condition. A brief discussion of classic clinical symptoms and signs of prion disease would have been welcome. Stand- alone chapters for these topics are suggested for further editions. Recommended Audience: All students, residents, and fellows in the medical neurosciences, as well as physicians or health care personnel providing neurologic outpatient care in family practice, hospital, and paramedical settings would find this book useful. Critical Appraisal: This textbook stands out for its abundant informative color illustrations, succinctly written text supplemented with tables, and manageable length. It is destined to move to the foreground of textbooks for teach-ing fundamental concepts in neurology. It has appeal to med-ical students, residents- in- training in neuroscience- based 375 Book Reviews J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 29, No. 4, 2009 disciplines, family practice physicians, and those in other primary care settings. Nina J. Solenski, MD, FAHA Department of Neurology University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia Little Black Book of Neurology, 5th Edition Osama O. Zaidat, MD and Alan J. Lerner, MD. Saunders Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA, 2008. ISBN 978- 0- 323- 03950- 5, $ 59.95. Scope: This pocket book aims to be a portable, yet comprehensive, guide to clinical neurology. It is organized alphabetically by topic with plenty of figures and tables. This most recent edition has several useful appendices, including summaries of clinical guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology, neurologic emergencies, therapeutics, and clinical scales. In this edition, the authors have added new information and updated references. Strengths: Unlike my well- worn copy of the 3rd edition, this edition has a useful table of contents and an index that make it considerably easier to find information. It continues to have numerous outstanding figures and tables, such as those covering cerebral arterial and venous anatomy, the cerebellum, pediatric norms, cerebrospinal fluid, channe-lopathies, and paraneoplastic diseases. The new appendices are excellent additions that offer rapid therapeutic guidance. Weaknesses: Although this book succeeds in covering the full breadth of topics relevant to clinical neurology in such a small space, it loses considerable detail and nuance in the evaluation and treatment of many neurologic diseases because of space limitations. Furthermore, residents and junior neurologists are the principal authors of the book, leading to some odd oversights, such as separate headings for idiopathic intracranial hypertension and pseudotumor cerebri which contain slightly different advice and nary a cross- reference to each other. Recommended Audience: This book is aimed directly at the neurology resident and serves as a good, basic, ready reference for the broad range of conditions encountered on the wards and in the clinic. Residents in allied fields, such as neurosurgery, neuroradiology, and medicine, may also find it useful. Critical Appraisal: For neurology residents, this is a pocket guide that is worth weighting down their white coats, but it is hardly the final source. Beau B. Bruce, MD Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta, Georgia Neurologic Complications of Cancer. 2nd Edition Lisa M. DeAngelis, MD and Jerome B. Posner, MD. Oxford University Press, New York, NY, 2009. ISBN 978- 0- 19- 536674- 7, $ 125.00. Scope: This is the 2nd edition of a text that appeared in its 1st edition in 1995. It is part of the venerable Contemporary Neurology Series that began more than 50 years ago with The Diagnosis of Stupor and Coma, authored by Fred Plum, MD, and Jerome Posner, MD, who is also the second author of this book. This edition and the original edition are meant to complement texts on primary brain and spinal cord tumors by dwelling on parenchymal, leptomeningeal, and dural metastases, primary tumors of the cranial and spinal nerves, and nonmetastatic effects such as intracranial and spinal infarction and hemorrhage, infection, metabolic, nutri-tional, and paraneoplastic disturbances, as well as side effects of radiation and chemotherapy. The authors, who are based at Memorial Sloan- Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, draw on the published literature and on their extensive experience as neuro- oncologists. Running to well over 600 pages, this edition is nearly twice as thick as the original. The new material comes mostly from the reporting of new modes of therapy, as well as from an attempt to explain the pathophysiology of metastatic and nonmetastatic manifestations. Strengths: The authors are academic giants who have seen more cases, published more studies, and trained more neuro- oncologists than anyone else in the world. Thus, the information they impart is as reliable as you will find anywhere- and very useful. For example, you will find out the comparative value of MRI and spinal fluid analysis in the detection of leptomeningeal cancer. You will learn which corticosteroid side effects to expect, how often, why, and what to do about them. The sections on radiation and chemotherapeutic complications are definitive. Not sur-prisingly, the chapter on paraneoplastic manifestations is a gem, as the authors are originators in this field. 376 q 2009 North American Neuro- Ophthalmology Society J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 29, No. 4, 2009 Book Reviews The text is well- written and nicely edited. These features are due in part to the fact that Oxford University Press, with its devotion to high publishing standards, has taken over the Contemporary Neurology Series. The tables and illustrations are aptly chosen and gracefully spaced to highlight and break up the monotony of text. The color figures are a welcome addition. Weaknesses: The subject matter is somber. There is no good news for the patient. The truth is that in the 13 years since the first edition has appeared, very little therapeutic progress has been made. Much of this material is available in separate sources, some of it is conveniently online. Recommended Audience: Although the text is aimed at neurologists and neuro- oncologic nurses, anyone who deals with cancer will find this a valuable resource. Critical Appraisal: For information about metastatic brain and spinal cancer and its effects, there is no better source. Given the changing habits of information- seeking by phy-sicians, who are relying more and more to online sources for quick tips, one wonders how much traffic this book will get. It is heavy in weight and tone and cannot be easily updated. Yet it is a beautiful rendering of the incomparable clinical experience and academic prowess of two of the most learned specialists in the field. Institutional libraries and seasoned neurologists know the quality of the Contemporary Neurology Series. They will- and should- go for it. Jonathan D. Trobe, MD Departments of Neurology and Ophthalmology University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan Vascular Neurology: Questions and Answers Nancy Futrell, MD and Dara G. Jamieson MD. DemosMedical Publishing LLC, New York, NY, 2008. ISBN 978- 1- 933864- 24- 2, $ 75.00. Scope: This is a study guide presented in question- and-answer format for physicians preparing for board certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology ( APBN) in vascular neurology. It contains more than 500 questions and is divided into nine sections, covering basic sciences and clinical topics. One third of the book is devoted to clinical stroke, but the authors also cover basic science, cardiology, hematology, pediatric stroke, pathology, imaging, pharmacology, and rehabilitation. Strengths: This study guide is comprehensive, well-written, and easy to read. Most sections reference pertinent and appropriate literature in the field. Questions and answers provide a good review of the basic science, epidemiology, pathophysiology, evaluation, treatments, and outcomes. Questions are quite representative of those found on the APBN board. Particularly strong sections are those on clinical stroke, pharmacology, rehabilitation, and pathology. Weaknesses: Although the text deals mostly in well-accepted and scientifically based evidence, the authors occasionally present personal cases and anecdotes as definitive practice. The basic science section has very little anatomy and not enough illustrations. Many of the black and white images are of poor quality. The cardiology and hematology sections rely heavily on single texts for references. Recommended Audience: This book successfully targets its intended audience of those preparing for the vascular neurology board examination, but residents preparing for the general neurology APBN board examination will probably find this book useful as well. Critical Appraisal: This book fills a much- needed niche. It is thorough, relevant, accessible, and worth reading. However, its value is slightly diminished by the low quantity and uneven quality of photos as well as the authors' occasional use of personal anecdotes. Michael J. Wilder, MD Jennifer Juhl Majersik, MD, MS Department of Neurology University of Utah Salt Lake City, Utah 377 Book Reviews J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 29, No. 4, 2009 |
