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Show BOOK REVIEWS Section Editor: Barrett Katz, MD, MBA Ocular Pathology, Fifth Edition Myron Yanoff, MD and Ben S. Fine, MD. Mosby, St. Louis, 2002. ISBN: 0- 323- 01403- 8, $ 259.00 Scope: This is a 761- page fifth edition of a classic originally published in 1975. The textbook seamlessly approaches the organizational level of a single- authored text without redundancy. It is divided into 18 chapters. Nine chapters detail tissue specific abnormalities ( skin and lacrimal gland, conjunctiva, cornea and sclera, uvea, lens, neurosensory retina, vitreous, optic nerve, orbit). Five chapters cover disease entities ( hereditary retinal dystrophy, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, ocular melanotic tumors, retinoblastoma, and pseudoglioma). Four chapters cover general principles and processes ( basic principles of pathology, nongranulomatous inflammation, granulomatous inflammation, and surgical and nonsurgical trauma). The textbook is published as a single volume with 1685 of 1885 illustrations in color. These consist of photomicrographs, electron micrographs, gross photographs, facial, slit lamp and funduscopic photographs, illustrative schematics, and neuroradiographic images. As in previous editions, the material is presented in an expanded outline form rather than as traditional narrative text. There are multiple cross- citations to more complete discussions elsewhere, with references and recommended reading at the end of each chapter. " Clinical pearls" are interspersed throughout each chapter. The work is also available in CD ROM format. The foreword, contributed by Morton E. Smith, MD, describes an intended audience of residents and fellows studying ophthalmology and pathology, as well as clinical practitioners of ophthalmology and diagnostic pathology. Strengths: The authors contribute a beautiful collection of clinical, gross pathologic and histopathologic photographs, a testament to their years of experience, expertise, and understanding of pathophysiologic principles. It far surpasses collections in other clinical atlases. Cases come from the best of the Verhoeff Society, the Eastern Ophthalmic Pathology Society, published articles, and individual private collections. Common and rare entities are discussed and illustrated in detail not easily matched. The overall organization and cataloguing is comprehensive. The organization in outline form with interspersed clinical wisdom is well-suited to factual quick reference as well as web- based or multi- media learning systems. Clearly, the authors have produced a work easily adaptable to CD- ROM format. Weaknesses: The cross- cited format makes for choppy reading. In the photomicrographs, the authors tend to under-label specific areas of interest, perhaps assuming more knowledge of pathology than most readers will have. By adding clinical presentations, signs, and symptoms, as well as pathophysiologic principles and clinical pearls to each entity, the authors are obliged to limit discussion of pathologic and histopathologic information. It is sometimes difficult to work from a microscopic appearance toward an appropriate tissue diagnosis. For instance, if one had identified an orbital neoplasm as a " small blue cell tumor or a fibrous tumor of the orbit," it would be difficult to work backwards to develop a differential diagnosis and design further studies to refine the diagnosis. Recommended Audience: Advanced students or clinical practitioners with an academic interest in clinical pathologic correlation will value this treatise. Critical Appraisal: The textbook is an invaluable reference source and primary resource for the student or practitioner of ophthalmology and the general pathologist learning ocular pathology. The text does not easily serve the student looking for clues to pattern recognition and pattern- specific differential diagnosis. Roger E. Turbin, MD University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Newark, New Jersey Ophthalmic Histopathology, 2nd Edition William R. Lee. Springer- Verlag, London, 2002. ISBN: 1- 85233- 049- X, $ 297.00 Scope: This is a comprehensive single- authored illustrated textbook presenting an overview of ophthalmic pathology. The first chapter details the handling of specimens, from the instruments used for grossing specimens to use of special stains. Methods for documentation are shown, and the normal eye is reviewed. Subsequent chapters are organized from the perspective of how specimens may be received in the laboratory. The initial eight chapters deal with the eye as a whole, in different disease settings: trauma, tumor, glaucoma, inflammation, vascular disease, retinal detachment, malformations, and the eye in systemic disease. The last five chapters cover specific anatomic parts of the eye and its adnexal or neighboring tissues: the eyelid, temporal artery, lacrimal sac, conjunctiva, orbit, cornea, and lens. Illustrations ( including color) are plentiful and of high quality. There are plenty of examples of special stains. J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 25, No. 2, 2005 155 J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 25, No. 2, 2005 Book Reviews There is an abundance of gross specimens in addition to the usual microscopic photographs. Strengths: The amount and quality of illustrations makes for better understanding of this very visual field. The completeness of information and unique organization of chapters also contributes to this being an excellent and usable reference. Weaknesses: Finding a specific disease within a chapter requires that the reader leaf through much material or rely on the index. A table of contents at the beginning of each chapter would have helped. Recommended Audience: This is a text for pathologists who work with the eye and pathology residents studying the eye. It is an unconventional reference for the ophthalmologist, but one that is easy to use and worth a serious look. Critical Appraisal: This is one of the best basic texts of ocular pathology. It would make a welcome addition in any residency's library. Susan M. Ksiazek, MD University of Chicago Chicago, Illinois Weiner & Levitt's Pediatric Neurology, 4th Edition Michael E. Cohen, MD, Patricia K. Duffner, MD. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, 2003. ISBN: 0- 7817- 2931- 9, $ 37.95 Scope: This book is designed to guide medical students, interns, and residents in the recognition and therapy of pediatric neurologic disease. The book is organized into some introductory chapters discussing basic concepts in neuroanatomy, history- taking, and physical examination. These are followed by descriptions of common presentations and management of pediatric neurologic diseases. Each chapter begins with a very brief clinical case presentation. Appendices cover basic concepts such as developmental milestones, head circumference for age, APGAR scoring, and the Glasgow Coma scale. Strengths: Brief and uncluttered descriptions of diseases processes and their differential diagnoses are presented in outline form. Each chapter has a short but excellent reference section. Weaknesses: There are errors in the neuro- ophthalmology presented in several chapters. For example, in chapter 2 ( neuroanatomy), the lateral geniculate nucleus is described as part of the pupillary pathway. In chapter 4, ( neurologic examination), the authors describe the ptosis of Horner syndrome as sometimes covering more than half of the pupil. In addition, the authors' description of the Marcus- Gunn pupil misleadingly suggests a specific disorder of the papillomacular bundle. Also, there is a description of the tumbling " E" test for assessing visual acuity with a reference to a non- existent figure. Further, the authors point out relative preservation of color vision in amblyopia, yet suggest that " optic atrophy" is present. A brief section on nystagmus suggests disorders of the medial longitudinal fasciculus are associated with " conversion retraction nystagmus," a combination of a misspelling and a false association. In addition, the chapter on childhood myasthenia gravis makes no mention of the importance of the possible development of amblyopia. Recommended Audience: Medical students, interns, and residents in pediatric medicine will find this book useful. They will be able to find disorders and their chief features quickly with appropriate references. Critical Appraisal: The book's problem oriented approach will be useful to the house officer. Unfortunately, careful inspection from a neuro- ophthalmologist's perspective reveals errors that need to be corrected in forthcoming editions. Scott Forman, MD Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurosurgery and Neurology New York Medical College Westchester Medical Center Valhalla, New York Contemporary Treatments in Neurology Neil Scolding, MRCP, PhD. Butterworth- Heinemann, Oxford, 2001. ISBN: 0- 7506- 3918- 0, $ 67.00 Scope: This is a collection of treatment- oriented deliberations, the stated purpose of which is to assist the busy neurologist who is " under pressure to keep up with the latest findings." Neil Scolding, the editor of this synopsis, combines current, novel, and future therapeutic approaches with a discussion of recent treatment advances and an objective assessment of their impact. The first chapter is a curious beginning for the book's stated objective, entitled, " Important issues in the design, analysis and interpretation of clinical trials in neurology." Peter Rothwell summarizes the importance of randomized controlled trials in a logical, clear, readable format. The principles outlined are not specific to neurologic science and do not connect to the central theme or body of the text. It is as if an important ( and very well prepared) appendix to a major neurologic textbook had somehow lost its way and wound up here. The remaining 19 chapters, written by 31 international ( non- American) authors, are set in five major divisions: 156 © 2005 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Book Reviews J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 25, No. 2, 2005 degenerative diseases of the nervous system, inflammatory diseases, acquired and inherited metabolic disease, vascular diseases of the central nervous system, and episodic neurologic disease. Each very well referenced chapter begins with an introduction. The internal arrangement of individual chapters is idiosyncratic. The chapters, therefore, stand as interesting yet different excursions. Strengths: Several chapters add background for treatment approaches by discussing mechanisms and pathophysiology. The quality of writing and use of language is consistently excellent. Inflammatory peripheral nerve disease ( written by John Winer, University Hospital Birmingham, UK) is perhaps the most excellent chapter in the book. Diabetic peripheral nerve disease is described deftly by P. K. Thomas ( Queen Square, London). There are substantial and somewhat surprising disparities in the continental approach compared with my American experience. For example, for treatment of orthostatic hypotension, fludrocortisone is recommended after " simple measures," yet midodrine hydrochloride ( ProAmatine) is not mentioned. Weaknesses: The major neurologic subspecialties, vascular disease, epilepsy, and neuro- muscular disorders, are well represented. The exception, disappointingly, is neuro-ophthalmologic syndromes. The chapter on multiple sclerosis ( written by Alasdair Coles, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK) begins the treatment portion with " symptomatic treatment." Tizanidine is described as " reputed to be less sedating," an assertion that experienced clinicians will question. If you are looking for helpful suggestions for difficult common symptoms, such as tremor and fatigue, they are not to be found here. Treatment of tremor is described as " rarely effective," and treatment of fatigue " remains both poorly understood and difficult." For acute relapses, there is heavy reliance on the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial. This chapter, however, may contain the sole presentation of things neuro- ophthalmologic. Recommended Audience: The recommended audience includes postgraduate trainees and practicing neurologists. Critical Appraisal: The description of standard treatment here is unusual enough to suggest a somewhat different and decidedly European perspective and experience. This in itself makes for interesting reading. The lack of a consistent format across the numerous chapters adds an element of surprise. The work as a whole is quite readable, and interesting facts are sprinkled throughout. The first chapter is simply a gem, one that belongs in another work. This is a very readable text, but one that is neither as easy to use nor as current as a practicing American neurologist will expect. Stuart E. Sinoff, MD Clearwater, Florida Stroke Prevention John W. Norris, MD and Vladimir Hachinski, MD, Editors. New York, Oxford University Press, 2001. ISBN: 0- 19- 513382- X, $ 76.50 Scope: This is a small and easily readable text about the prevention of stroke, divided into sections on primary prevention, secondary prevention, and a section on transferring principles into practice. It is written by experts in the field of cerebrovascular disease and is intended for any practitioner responsible for altering patients' behavioral and medical risk factors. Typical stroke risk factors are examined, including non- modifiable and modifiable factors such as lipids, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation. Next, the text delves into more obscure risk factors such as alcohol consumption and the role of hormone treatment, and their influence on cerebrovascular disease. The second part of the book deals with secondary stroke prevention. There are chapters on cardiac anomalies, a discussion on the best dosage of aspirin, and the role of carotid endarterectomy angioplasty, and stenting. The last section of the text discusses adapting information into clinical practice. There is an excellent chapter on the cost- effectiveness of stroke prevention. Strengths: This text brings a wide number of studies under one cover, allowing one to review the myriad papers that have been presented elsewhere. All of the chapters are well written and cover many topics. The especially fine chapter on alcohol and stroke discusses the studies of stroke in relation to abstinence, moderate consumption, and heavy consumption. The chapter on hormone therapy examines stroke risk and hormone replacement, as well as the use of oral contraceptives, and discusses the merits and pitfalls of many of the studies. There is also a very thoughtful chapter on the cost- effectiveness of stroke prevention. Weaknesses: Any book attempting to cover a subject that is so constantly changing suffers from the inevitability that some of its information will be out of date. For example, the chapter on cardiac anomalies does not include any data from the recent WARSS study ( the book predates the release of that data); the chapter on secondary stroke prevention hedges on the exact dosage of aspirin to use. Recommended Audience: This book is not so much for the clinician who sees many stroke patients as it is for the clinician who does not. As such, it will be helpful and beneficial to neuro- ophthalmologists. Critical Appraisal: As a text that contains a review and synthesis of pertinent work from recent literature on the most important aspects of stroke prevention, it is worthwhilereading. Robert A. Egan, MD Oregon Health & Science University Portland, Oregon 157 J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 25, No. 2, 2005 Book Reviews The Molecular and Genetic Basis of Neurologic and Psychiatric Disease, 3rd Edition Roger N. Rosenberg, MD, Stanley B. Prusiner, MD, Salvatore DiMauro, MD, Robert L. Barchi, MD, PhD, Eric J. Nestler, MD, PhD. Butterworth Heinemann, Philadelphia, 2003. ISBN: 0- 7506- 7360- 5, $ 149.00 Scope: This book provides a survey of the rapidly growing field of the genetics and molecular pathogenesis of neurologic and psychiatric disease. It is organized into three main sections. The first section deals with general categories of genetic disorders, the second section deals with neurologic disease, and the third section deals with psychiatric disease. The section devoted to a general overview discusses basic concepts of genetics and inheritance. The basic mechanisms include triplet repeat disorders, prion disease, the various types of inheritance, degenerative disease, and proteins. There is also a chapter on genetically engineered models and their usefulness in research. The human genome project, gene mapping, the possibility of gene treatment, the ethics of genetic research, and the relationship between genotype and phenotype are reviewed. A number of the chapters in this section are new in this edition, including the aforementioned topics. The section on neurologic disease contains many new chapters and is greatly expanded. In recent years many new loci for neurologic degenerative disease have been discovered and the gene map has been enlarged. The chapters now include Down syndrome as a classic genetic disorder, triplet repeat disease ( genetics, clinical features, and pathogenesis), and prion disease. Mitochondrial disorders now comprise four chapters, one on the genome itself, a second on mutations in the mitochondrial genome, a third on mutations in the nuclear genome, and fourth on the role of mitochondria in neurodegenerative disorders. Other chapters concern the peroxisomal, lysosomal, and degenerative disorders, neuro-oncology, epilepsy, demyelinating disease, neuropathies, myopathies, dermatologic and brain disorders, lipoprotein and metabolic disorders, purines, porphyrias, metal metabolism, and vitamins. A new addition to the book is the section on psychiatric disorders. There are chapters on genetic aspects of depression, bipolar disease, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, addictions, and autism. Strengths: The general organization of this book is very helpful in that the basic modern concepts of genetic disorders and their broad categories are discussed together, providing an overview of major dimensions of the field. Among the major strengths of the book are its illustrations, diagrams, and charts. There are numerous black and white photographs of patients. The charts group diseases within a category or show relationships between these diseases. The diagrams indicate pathophysiology and show genetic sequences or the genome. The center has a section of color plates showing pathologic material and protein structures. A neurologic gene map is included. Weaknesses: One of the weaknesses of the book is the brevity of the discussion of clinical features. That said, this book is an excellent complement to a clinical textbook or other clinical materials. Leber hereditary optic neuropathy ( LHON), Kearns- Sayre syndrome ( KSS), and the syndrome of neuropathy, ataxia, and retinitis pigmentosa ( NARP) are discussed in just a few sentences. But these diseases are clearly shown in their context instead of in isolation, so one can see where neuro- ophthalmological findings fit into the context of broader manifestations of genetic diseases of the nervous system. The non- neuro- ophthalmologic features of these diseases are properly highlighted. Recommended Audience: This book will be useful as a complement to more clinically oriented textbooks and papers. Clinicians will find an organized presentation of the basic facts along with suggestions as to where treatment might lie in the future. The authors should succeed in capturing the interest of the next generation of neurologists, psychiatrists, and neuroscientists. Critical Appraisal: This book is rather unique: in one readable volume it reviews the basic categories of neurogenetic disease, their pathophysiology, and neurochemistry. The charts, diagrams, and photographs are useful. The organization is logical. Shelley A. Cross, MD Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota Mergers of Teaching Hospitals in Boston, New York, and Northern California John A. Kastor, MD. University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, 2003. ISBN: 0- 472- 08935- 8, $ 24.95 Scope: John Kastor was chair of the department of Medicine at the University of Maryland for many years. Although his initial love was cardiac arrhythmias, his interest moved on to more global issues in academic medicine. His book is the product of his search to find the answers to the question, why are so many of the major teaching hospitals of our academic health centers merging? This is a wonderful history of three wonderfully researched vignettes of major teaching hospital mergers: that of the 158 © 2005 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Book Reviews J Neuro- Ophthalmol, Vol. 25, No. 2, 2005 Massachusetts General and Brigham and Womens Hospitals, Columbia Presbyterian and New York Hospitals, and Stanford and University of California San Francisco Hospitals. The book is written from the perspective of an investigative journalist and medical sociologist. It begins with an introduction to the environment of academic health centers and introduces the characters to be later discussed. Two chapters have been devoted to each of the three mergers. In first of these paired chapters, background forces and events that led to each merger are presented. In the second, Kastor relates what happened afterward. A final chapter summarizes what he learned and what these mergers can teach us. Strengths: Its strengths are the quality and depth of research and detail, the clarity of writing and presentation, and the compelling interest of the stories and the people themselves. There are many familiar players, including ophthalmologists Bruce Spivey and Jackson Coleman and neurologists Flint Beall and Steve Hauser. The overriding concern of the business of academic medical centers is painfully apparent in this monograph. MB As trump the MDs every time, and yet when mergers succeed, it is the doctors who make it so. The book itself is a wonderfully honest, thoughtful, cogent analysis of one methodology used by academic health centers to improve their profitability and enhance their futures. These are three wonderful case studies that will be repeated elsewhere. Weaknesses: There is little to be critical of here. Text, style, footnotes, and frequent subheading assist the reader through a maze of events and multiple characters. Recommended Audience: This wonderful history will be of interest to those who go to hospitals, and to those who know and love hospitals. It will become required reading in business schools and it should become required reading in medical schools. Critical Appraisal: This is a deeply researched, detailed, riveting piece of scholarship. It brings together several outstanding groups' common interests and struggles in the problematic industry that is hospital care. It makes real the relationships between deans and their CEOs, medical schools, and teaching hospitals. The author offers insight into the conventional wisdom behind institutional mergers and exposes the strategic thinking of faculties, deans, and CEOs. It seems to suggest that there are no experts out there who really know what to do, and suggests that the mantra " bigger is better" may not actually hold for health care. It is a testament to the complexity and irrationality of the health care industry, and the talented business people who often leave their judgment at the door when they enter the health care arena. Barrett Katz, MD, MBA Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, Inc New York, New York 159 |