Neuropathology: A Reference Text of Cns Pathology

Southampton Univ., U.K. Reference for diagnostic pathologists presenting clinical, pathologic and molecular genetic information relating to diverse disorders. Modified outline format. Abundant-full color illustrations.

We reviewed this book from two perspectives; one of us is a senior neuropathologist working in experimental neurobiology, and the other is a recently trained neurologist-neuropathologist who examines and treats patients, performs diagnostic neuropathological assessments, and teaches neurology and neuropathology. Both of us reviewed this book, and we agree that it is an outstanding contribution to the field.

The book has 10 sections, and the chapters range from discussions of the pathological reactions in the central nervous system to descriptions of the major neurologic disorders that affect children and adults. Thus, there are chapters on developmental disorders, vascular disease, infections, neurodegenerative disorders, tumors, and other conditions. Each chapter consists of succinct text accompanied by charts, tables, superb gross and microscopical illustrations, and illuminating drawings. The series of graphic displays and illustrations are unmatched in any contemporary book dealing with this discipline. Remarkably, the book is up to date and contains material from a variety of fields, including molecular genetics, that was published shortly before the book went to press.

Both of us enjoyed reading this book. It will be of extraordinary value for residents in neurology, pathology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry. It will be valuable in medical school libraries for medical students and graduate students interested in the structural features of neurologic disease. For graduate students or faculty members in neuroscience, the text, photographs, and other illustrations provide a superb introduction to the diseases of the nervous system.

A few issues should be addressed in the next edition. The bibliographies are limited and should be stronger; in this respect, the book does not live up to the subtitle, "A Reference Text of CNS Pathology." An increase in the number of imaging studies in certain sections would be a helpful complement to the photographs of the neuropathological findings. There is little coverage of disorders of the nerves and muscles. The book is extraordinarily heavy, and the solidity of its binding is inadequate considering its weight.

Despite these caveats, the authors, the graphic designers, and the publishers are to be congratulated for creating this elegant book, which summarizes the status of neuropathology as it enters the next century.

Reviewed by Donald L. Price, M.D.