- Email: [email protected]
Diagnostic Atlas of Orbital Diseases,
MULTIMEDIA REVIEWS
Diagnostic Atlas of Orbital Diseases, by Jonathan J. Dutton, Sandra Frazier Byrne, and Alan D. Proia, Philadelphia, W. B. Saunders Company, 2000, 179 pages, illus. Price: $115 The authors of this text have combined their knowledge in ophthalmology, pathology, and echography to create a source that succinctly describes a variety of orbital disorders. In the preface, the authors write: “Clinicians and students frequently desire specific pieces of information. Such specific information can be difficult to find in textbooks without reading through pages of discussion.” The authors have set out to fulfill “a need for quick and easy access to specific information on common orbital lesions.” To achieve this goal, they have written their book largely in an atlas format. The first four chapters are written in standard textbook form. These chapters serve to introduce the reader to the basic clinical aspects of orbital diseases. Chapter I summarizes key features of orbital diseases, including their signs, symptoms, and the frequencies with which they occur. Chapter II reviews basic orbital anatomy. Good illustrations correspond well with the written text. Chapter III is a fine, concise summary of clinical orbital ultrasonography. Well selected A- and B-scan echograms help supplement this chapter’s discussion. Chapter IV reviews basic principles of computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The explanations are designed to help the reader in the practical use of these imaging modalities in the clinical arena. At the end of each chapter is an alphabetical list of “selected references.” Chapter V, entitled Atlas of Orbital Diseases, makes up about 70% of the book. Fifty-six different orbital disorders are covered in alphabetical order. Each disorder is presented on two facing pages, thus eliminating the need to turn pages while reviewing a particular disorder. Each disease entity is described in the same manner. The disease’s name is listed in
261
bold print at the top of the first page, followed by a short introductory discussion of the disease. Next, descending down on the first page, is a general summary of the various types of clinical presentations, a discussion of CT findings in the disease, and a short discussion of the MRI characteristics of the disease. A related photograph is placed to the left of each one of these descriptions. On the second page, organized from top to bottom, are discussions of the disease’s echographic features, its histopathology, a short summary of treatment options, and the prognosis. Again, an illustrative photograph is placed to the left of each one of the discussion points. The references at the end of Chapter V are organized alphabetically in groups under each of the orbital diseases described in the chapter. Following these references are the photo credits. An excellent, easy to use index ends the book. The consistency of the format for each disease entity described in Chapter V makes it very easy for the reader to compare the information about different diseases. The photographs and illustrations throughout the book are of high quality. There is excellent juxtapositioning of the illustrations to the corresponding written text. The authors have created a book that is concise and user-friendly. As they stated in their preface, “this volume is not intended to replace the comprehensive textbooks available.” The book does not delve into the history or controversies of various orbital diseases described. The sections on treatment are short and direct, without the extensive details needed to care for a patient, and without a discussion of treatment complications. The authors have done an excellent job in providing “a usable study guide for residents and others interested in this fascinating group of diseases in the orbit.”
Gary S. Lissner, MD Chicago, Illinois, USA PII S0039-6257(00)00169-7
Diagnostic Atlas of Orbital Diseases, by Jonathan J. Dutton, Sandra Frazier Byrne, and Alan D. Proia, Philadelphia, W. B. Saunders Company, 2000, 179 pages, illus. Price: $115 The authors of this text have combined their knowledge in ophthalmology, pathology, and echography to create a source that succinctly describes a variety of orbital disorders. In the preface, the authors write: “Clinicians and students frequently desire specific pieces of information. Such specific information can be difficult to find in textbooks without reading through pages of discussion.” The authors have set out to fulfill “a need for quick and easy access to specific information on common orbital lesions.” To achieve this goal, they have written their book largely in an atlas format. The first four chapters are written in standard textbook form. These chapters serve to introduce the reader to the basic clinical aspects of orbital diseases. Chapter I summarizes key features of orbital diseases, including their signs, symptoms, and the frequencies with which they occur. Chapter II reviews basic orbital anatomy. Good illustrations correspond well with the written text. Chapter III is a fine, concise summary of clinical orbital ultrasonography. Well selected A- and B-scan echograms help supplement this chapter’s discussion. Chapter IV reviews basic principles of computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The explanations are designed to help the reader in the practical use of these imaging modalities in the clinical arena. At the end of each chapter is an alphabetical list of “selected references.” Chapter V, entitled Atlas of Orbital Diseases, makes up about 70% of the book. Fifty-six different orbital disorders are covered in alphabetical order. Each disorder is presented on two facing pages, thus eliminating the need to turn pages while reviewing a particular disorder. Each disease entity is described in the same manner. The disease’s name is listed in
261
bold print at the top of the first page, followed by a short introductory discussion of the disease. Next, descending down on the first page, is a general summary of the various types of clinical presentations, a discussion of CT findings in the disease, and a short discussion of the MRI characteristics of the disease. A related photograph is placed to the left of each one of these descriptions. On the second page, organized from top to bottom, are discussions of the disease’s echographic features, its histopathology, a short summary of treatment options, and the prognosis. Again, an illustrative photograph is placed to the left of each one of the discussion points. The references at the end of Chapter V are organized alphabetically in groups under each of the orbital diseases described in the chapter. Following these references are the photo credits. An excellent, easy to use index ends the book. The consistency of the format for each disease entity described in Chapter V makes it very easy for the reader to compare the information about different diseases. The photographs and illustrations throughout the book are of high quality. There is excellent juxtapositioning of the illustrations to the corresponding written text. The authors have created a book that is concise and user-friendly. As they stated in their preface, “this volume is not intended to replace the comprehensive textbooks available.” The book does not delve into the history or controversies of various orbital diseases described. The sections on treatment are short and direct, without the extensive details needed to care for a patient, and without a discussion of treatment complications. The authors have done an excellent job in providing “a usable study guide for residents and others interested in this fascinating group of diseases in the orbit.”
Gary S. Lissner, MD Chicago, Illinois, USA PII S0039-6257(00)00169-7