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Show Journal of Neuro- Ophthalmology 16( 2): 152- 155, 1996. © 1996 Lippincott- Raven Publishers, Philadelphia Book Reviews Medical Writing: A Prescription for Clarity, by Neville W. Goodman and Martin B. Edwards. Cambridge, England; Cambridge University Press, 1991, $ 15.95. This little book is primarily about style, touching on points of grammar and offering sound advice in keeping it simple, keeping it short, and keeping it clear. It was written and illustrated by three British physicians; its grammar is the King's English ( as opposed to North American English). We come to learn a physician practices neuro- ophthalmology in the United States, but practises in Britain. The advice offered is clear, short, and direct. There is practical guidance for medical authors, with examples of both good and bad medical writing. It is a reasonable and concise compendium and reference source for authors or would- be authors; it will not replace either Modern English Usage by Fowler, or Elements of Style by Strunk and White, but is a cousin to these, and one with a distinctly medical tradition, albeit British. This little book is worth a visit, although perhaps not an overnight stay. Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, by M. Vermeulen, K. W. Lindsay, and J. Van Gijan. Major Problems in Neurology: No. 25. Philadelphia, PA: W. B. Saunders, 1992, $ 60.95. This book is the 25th in the Major Problems of Neurology series ( which includes Dubowitz and Brooke's Muscle Biopsy: A Modern Approach, and Lisak and Barchi's Myasthenia Gravis), written by two neurologists and a neurosurgeon, all European. It is an authoritative and comprehensive monograph expanding the Major Problems series; it follows its outstanding traditions of excellence. It is a remake of Lord Walton's 1956 text, Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. As his is, so too is this a firsthand account, based on practical experience in the management of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Chapters include Cerebral Aneurysms: Development and Rupture; CT and Diagnosis; Examination of the CSF; Re- bleeding and its Prevention; Cerebral Ischemia; Hydrocephalus; Medical Complications; and Outcome Analysis. It is a text directed toward the clinician, whether physician or surgeon; it emphasizes establishing the correct diagnosis, documenting it, and detecting its under- Barrett Katz, MD lying cause. It reviews current changes in the diagnosis and management of subarachnoid bleed, and in its scant 126 pages, summarizes medical and surgical management and new drug therapies ( with discussions of antifibrinolytic therapy, calcium antagonists, fluid management, and medical complications). It is simple and complemented by a deep bibliography. The neuroradiology is dated ( only CT is included); MR angiography is not mentioned. It is classical neurology in the Queen's Square tradition. Some chapters will seem dated and of only passing interest to the neuro- oph-thalmologist; others offer an overview most appropriate for the internist, family physician, or ER doctor. The authors purposively omit discussions of surgical detail, while emphasizing the patient from the generalist's perspective. This publication is a legitimate description of how most patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage are evaluated and initially managed and so has both practical import and historic interest. Orbital Disease: Imaging and Analysis, by Daniel S. Casper, T. Linda Chi, and Stephen L. Trokel. New York, NY: Thyme Medical Publishers Inc. 1993, $ 129.00. This combination text and atlas seeks to provide a framework for the student and practitioner, specifically the nonorbitologist, seeking to teach them a systematic approach to orbital disease by employing diagnostic skills in concert with appropriate imaging studies. There is no attempt to present a compendium of surgical techniques for the orbital surgeon; rather, this book is designed for the generalist, guiding the clinician toward recognizing conditions, ordering suitable imaging tests, and instituting appropriate therapy. It comes to us from the Harkness Pavilion of Columbia University and is assembled by ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists, ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeons, neurosurgeons, and radiologists. It is divided into three parts. First is an analysis of orbital disease ( an outstanding 100 pages). Orbital anatomy is wonderfully covered, with great detail and schematic drawings, highlighted with emphasis and labeled with clarity. A second section describes imaging and analysis of the patient with specific orbital diseases. Orbital imaging is pre- BOOK REVIEWS 153 sented in a practical approach and includes radiography, CT, and MR. Chapters are devoted to orbital trauma, thyroid orbitopathy, inflammation, tumor, orbital complications of sinus disease, neurosurgical aspects of orbital disease, lacrimal disorders, and craniofacial anomalies. The last section is but one chapter on therapeutic implications ( 3 pages). All sections are replete with historical references; the color plates are outstanding ( though gathered in a preface at the book's beginning). The text is clear, well organized, and explicit; the atlas is complemented by line drawings and black- and-white photographs; neuroradiologic images themselves are wonderfully reproduced. There is a chapter on the medical evaluation of the patient with orbital disease. Basic pathologic mechanisms and differential diagnoses are included, but fleet-ingly so. The authors succeed in demonstrating precisely what they wish, a compendium of guiding principle and illustrative examples aimed toward educating residents and sensitizing practitioners to the protean manifestations of orbital disease. The chapter on Orbital Complications of Paranasal Sinus disease will be of special interest to the neuro- ophthalmic community; the book itself will be a welcome addition to us all. This is an outstanding atlas and will be most helpful to those in training in ophthalmology or otolaryngology. Surgical Anatomy of the Face, by Wayne F. Lar-rabee and Kathleen H. Makielski. New York, NY: Raven Press, 1993, $ 152.50. Type of book The text is a standard quarto- sized book dealing with facial anatomy. Extensive color tone illustrations are combined with fresh cadaver dissections and clinical illustrations to emphasize surgical points. In 200 pages, there are 150 illustrations, thus qualifying this as an atlas rather than a textbook. The book is organized by facial tissue layers, with special chapters on ocular, nasal, chin/ lip, ears, and cheek anatomy. Scope of book The authors have attempted to " present relevant facial anatomy from a surgical point of view." They have succeeded in this attempt in that illustrations and discussions are presented in a manner usable on the operating room table and to the operating surgeon. However, the text has limited usefulness to nonsurgically oriented neuro- ophthalmologists. Contents The text is divided into three main areas: facial aesthetics, layer- by- layer anatomy, and specific anatomic areas. Anatomic variations due to age, race, and gender are clearly noted and emphasized. The authors' goal is to present anatomic features from the aesthetic surgeon's perspective, thus providing guidelines for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Strengths The discussion of facial aesthetic units is excellent, with racial, age, and gender variables emphasized. The discussion of layer- by- layer facial anatomy is especially helpful for the surgeon ( the discussion of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system is masterful). The specific anatomic area chapters are variable in clinical usefulness. The chapter about the nose is very complete, whereas others are lacking in detail. Weaknesses The discussion of the eyelids, orbit, and lacrimal systems is simplistic for the ophthalmologist. The data presented are generally correct but are treated superficially. For instance, the discussion of the lateral canthal tendon and its relationship to the retinaculum is not clearly detailed. Discussion of the medial canthal tendon is also weak. The complexities of the attachments to the tendon are ignored. The statement " injury of the posterior component . . . must be repaired by wiring the limb to the posterior lacrimal crest" may be misleading, if residual tendon is present for suturing. Recommended Audience Facial aesthetic surgeons will find this book most useful, with less value, perhaps, to the neuro-ophthalmologist, general ophthalmologist, student, or resident. The book is less useful for the general ophthalmologist, unless a significant portion of his or her practice is surgical aesthetics. Overall Rating The book deserves an A + for its approach to the surgical application of facial esthetic anatomy. James C. Orcutt, M. D., Ph. D. University of Washington Department of Ophthalmology Seattle, Washington Inherited Eye Disease: Diagnosis and Clinical Management, by Saul Merin. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1992, $ 175.00. Type of book This book is by a physician who is recognized internationally for his contributions to the field of ophthalmic genetics. It has the advantage of a singular viewpoint by one who is extremely knowledgeable and capable of making his opinions clear. This book was inspired by lectures series given to ophthalmology residents. / Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 16, No. 2, 1996 254 BOOK REVIEWS Scope of book This book can serve as a standard textbook of inherited eye diseases for the practicing general ophthalmologist and the resident in training. The goal was to enable the reader to find the most likely diagnosis, to render a broad understanding of genetic diseases, and to provide advice on the management of genetic eye disease. Contents The text is 19 chapters long, with a brief review of types of inheritance patterns. Most valuable is its description of multifactorial inheritance and mitochondrial inheritance, patterns that are not well appreciated by most practitioners. Organization is by anatomic divisions of the eye, from the cornea to the optic nerve, with additional chapters on night vision disorders, glaucomas, inherited tumors of the eye, and phacomatoses. Strengths The text is very readable, with a good selection of current and appropriate references. It provides a single- volume state- of- the- art summary of this extremely complex and broad- ranging topic. Emphasis is primarily on clinical information, with appropriate basic science when useful. Weaknesses As with any textbook, particularly in the field of genetics, the linkage in mapping information is constantly being refined. There naturally has been additional information discovered on the molecular biology of some of mentioned syndromes since the time of publication j Recommended audience This addition to the library of ophthalmic genetics is of benefit to those with a pediatric practice or interest in inherited diseases as they affect the eye. The text represents a significant step forward in comprehensiveness and clarity of presentations within a complex and changing arena. It will be of significant value to ophthalmology residents and general ophthalmologists. T. Otis Paul, M. D. California Pacific Medical Center and The Smith- Kettlewell Eye Research Institute San Francisco, CA Manual of Nerve Conduction Velocity and Clinical Neurophysiology, 2nd ed., by J. A. DeLisa, H. J. Lee, E. M. Baron, K. S. Lai, and N. Spiel-holz. New York, NY: Raven Press, Ltd., 1994, $ 48.00. Type of book This is a soft- cover, ring- bound, small- format manual designed as a reference for physicians involved in the practice of clinical neurophysiology. The chapters are organized by technique and anatomy. This, the third edition, demonstrates comprehensive coverage of nerve- conduction velocity testing, including cranial nerves and blink reflex, pediatric applications, testing for neuromuscular junction disease, intraoperative monitoring, and auditory and visual evoked potentials. Newer topics of magnetoelectric stimulation, motor unit action potential analysis, and single- fiber electromyography are also covered. The format relies on line drawings of anatomy and electrode placement, followed by descriptions of technique and exhaustive summaries of previously published techniques. Scope of book This book is designed as a manual for use in the electrodiagnostic laboratory and successfully provides ready access to standardized techniques and normal values. Basic science concepts are not present. The physiologic underpinnings of clinical neurophysiology are not covered, whereas the technical aspects of clinical neurophysiology are dealt with in great detail. Contents The book has 17 chapters, a glossary, an appendix ( including electrodiagnostic terminology), and an atlas of selected waveforms. The bibliography is timely and complete. Chapters ( organized anatomically) cover nerve- conduction techniques " nerve by nerve"; later chapters include more complete discussions of newer methodology. The sections on auditory and evoked potentials are brief. The chapter on magnetoelectric stimulation is surprisingly lengthy, considering that this technique is not widely exercised. Strengths This book is marvelously complete in its coverage of nerve- conduction velocity techniques, somatosensory evoked potentials, and newer methods of interest to clinical neurophysiologists; it is most useful for the neuromuscular specialist. However, inclusion of visual and auditory evoked potentials, cranial nerve testing, blink reflex testing, and neuromuscular junction techniques ( including repetitive nerve stimulation and single- fiber electromyography) broaden the book's potential audience. Deficiencies The book lacks discussion of the physiologic basis of clinical testing. Whereas this may be excused in a laboratory manual, an understanding of basic concepts is most important in the neurophysiology laboratory. Recommended audience This book is a valuable laboratory reference for clinical neurophysiologists, primarily those inter- / Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 16, No. 2, 1996 BOOK REVIEWS 155 ested in neuromuscular disease. Parts of the book would be of interest to neuro- ophthalmologists with special interest in practical electrophysiology and evoked responses. Overall grading The book fulfills its intended promise as a technical manual for the practicing clinical neurophysiolo-gist. This manual would be a welcome desk- top reference in neurophysiology laboratories, especially those with emphasis on neuromuscular disorders. Michael Swenson, MD University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA. Intraocular Tumors A Text and Atlas. J. A. Shields and C. L. Shields. 592 pages, $ 150; WB Saunders, 1992. As Ellsworth said, " There is no substitute for the experience of a single investigator or a closely knit group that over a long period has bent every effort to understand a subject." The Drs. Shields combined have more than 20 years' experience in the field of ocular oncology. From this experience, as well as an extensive review of the literature, comes their text. The book begins with an overview of the anatomy of the eye, followed by two outstanding chapters on the diagnostic approaches to and management principles of intraocular tumors. This should be required reading for every ophthalmologist. The next eight chapters deal with melanocytic tumors of the uvea, including four chapters exclusively devoted to posterior uveal melanomas. All of the latest information on partial lamellar scler-ouvectomy, radioactive plaque, and hydroxyapa-tite implants is covered. Another five chapters concern the diagnosis and management of retinoblastoma. The section on its pathology is particularly well written, and the chapter on the genetics of retinoblastoma is among the best I have read. The remaining chapters discuss various individual intraocular tumors, including vascular, osseous, myogenic, and neurogenic uveal tumors, vascular and glial retinal and optic nerve tumors, lesions of the retinal and ciliary epithelium, and intraocular lymphoid tumors and leukemias. The text concludes with an excellent chapter on the phakomatoses. Each chapter is extraordinarily thorough, extensively referenced, clearly organized, and well illustrated. The index ( which is often a problem in a work of this magnitude) is outstanding and extremely user- friendly. Ophthalmologists ( at all levels of training and experience), oncologists, pediatricians, radiation specialists, and primary care doctors can all benefit from various portions of this text. Neuro- ophthalmologists in particular will find valuable the discussions of the various optic nerve and peripapillary tumors, as well as the phakomatoses. This text is a much- needed and welcome addition to the literature and is destined to become a classic. R. Michael Siatkowski, MD Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Miami, FL / Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 26, No. 2, 1996 |