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Atlas of Endometrial Histopathology
170
Pathology (1986), 18, January
BOOK REVIEWS
The book can only be recommended as an introduction to fine-needle aspiration cytology suitable for both pathologists in training, technologists working in cytology laboratories and clinicians interested in this technique. It is not suitable as a laboratory bench book in view of the brief and incomplete coverage of several of the clinically most important areas.
Svante R. Orell Histochemistry: Theoretical and Applied, Vol. 2, 4th ed. A. G . E. PEARSE1985 Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, London, Melbourne, New York (Aust. Distr. Longman Cheshire, Melbourne) $210.00 ISBN 0-443-029970-0 pp. 1055, illustrated. (Volume 1, Preparation and Optical Technology, was published in 1980 and the two volumes are part of a series of three). This is the book for which many have been waiting. A. G. E. Pearse is undoubtedly the source to which you turn for authoritative information and in this book he continues the format of previous editions by presenting a reasoned review of each subject together with historical perspectives, methodology and thorough reference lists. The volume is extensive having 1055 pages which includes a comprehensive index. Nine chapters are presented and cover proteins, peptides and amino acids, applied histochemistry of simple and glycosylated proteins, nucleic acids and nucleoproteins, carbohydrates and mucosubstances together with affinity cytochemistry which is concerned with the demonstration of individual sugars by a broad class of affinitins (lectins). These are followed by chapters covering lipids, lipoproteins and proteolipids, aldehydes and ketones, pigments and pigment precursors. Biogenic amines are then presented as a survey of the methodology concerned with the demonstration of naturally occurring amines by formaldehydeinduced fluorescence (FIF) and carbonyl and carboxylated acid-induced fluorescence (CIF). The final chapter deals with inorganic and foreign substances. The changes which have been made to the text have been thorough and result in a comprehensive and well produced book. Few authors would have the knowledge to undertake such a meticulously detailed and documented review of the current aspects of histochemistry. The only major criticism concerns the inclusion of some colour plates which lack instructive detail. In summary, the book is a worth successor t o earlier editions and can be highly recommended for purchase by anatomical pathology libraries or by the reader who may be a histochemistry enthusiast.
B. H. Munro
Atlas of Endometrial Histopathology. G . DALLENBACH-HELLWEG AND H. POULSEN 1985 Munksgaard International Publishers, Copenhagen D.Kr. 470.00 ISBN 87-16-0962606 pp. 229, illustrated.
For those readers familier with the size , format and quality colour printing of the WHO series on Histologocial Tumour Classification, this volume will elicit a distinct feeling of deja vu. Two hundred and sixty excellent half-page colour plates provide the bulk of the information, arranged by broad grouping into sections entitled: the normal endometrium, metaplastic changes, circulatory disturbances, functional disturbances, iatrogenic changes, endometritis and neoplasms. Grouping of illustrations is intended, by the authors, to reflect diagnosis by pattern recognition and t o a limited extent they have achieved this difficult aim. Areas of commonsense compromise, are exemplified by the figures of the acute intra-glandular inflammatory collections associated with intrauterine contraceptive devices being placed in the “iatrogenic changes” rather than “endometritis” section. In the final analysis , no substitute for a modicum of familiarity with the subject has been given, by which this highly recommended and comprehensive atlas can be best employed.
Explanatory notes are concise, although some of the terminology appears somewhat quaint (“deficient secretory phase with coordinated apparent delay”) and commonly used synonyms would have been appreciated. Notes direct the reader’s attention to both the salient histological features which establish the diagnosis and to the relevant plates which illustrate the differential in each case. The only serious deficiency of this atlas, a subject which I would imagine the authors considered and felt to be outside the scope of the present publication, is the conspicuous absence of any pregnancy-related conditions which commonly present themselves for diagnosis following an endometrial biopsy or curettage. The interpretation for various postabortal and post-partum changes and of trophoblastic disease bear heavily on the subject at issue. One looks eagerly forward to the appearance, perhaps, of a companion volume.
Peter Russell
Perinatal Autopsy Manual 1983. MARIEVALDES-DAPENA AND DALE HUFF. Published by the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, D.C. US$4.75 pp. 98, 92 illustrations. The caveat common to the different methods employed by pediatric pathologists for the perinatal autopsy is to avoid rendering the delineation of anatomical anomalies impossible by a cavalier style of dissection. A ‘safe’ and simple-to-follow method is set out in this well illustrated, step- by-step guide, which infrequent performers of perinatal autopsies can easily adopt. Macroscopic dissection based on the classical technique of Rokitansky is the main emphasis, rounded off with a method for examining the placenta. Helpful hints on the collection of specimens for laboratory investigations are offered along the way. The value would be enhanced by the inclusion of a few more reference indices of fetal development such as foot length, prominence of the nipples, and general points of external examination such as definition of hypertelorism and abnormal skin creases. The comprehensive protocols for reporting may be considered slightly inflexible by some. For the practising pediatric pathologist this manual can be a reliable basis on which to improvise changes. In the last chapter Dr Valdes-Dapena shares with us her experience in post-autopsy conferences with the parents, adding a fresh dimension to the art of autopsy in general. This is a thoughtful as well as handy bench reference.
A . E. Kan
Atlas of Breast Pathology. FOLKE LINELL AND OTTOLJUNGBERG 1984. Munksgard International Publishers Ltd., Copenhagen. D. Kr. 570,OO. ISBN 87-16-09636-3 pp. 305, colour illustrations. This atlas is one in a series intended for use as a diagnostic aid beside the microscope. The authors write from the basis of their extensive experience in a hospital pathology department. Although the designated audience is the experienced pathologist, an atlas such as this is probably of value mainly to advanced trainee pathologists and recently qualified specialists who have not yet built their own base of experience. The book is divided into three sections, the first of which is a short introduction describing techniques for handling breast specimens and giving general information o n the normal breast and its diseases. The second and major part is the atlas with photomicrographs and some photomacrographs, matched on the opposite page with descriptive text, unfortunately not including magnification figures, and covering most aspects of breast disease in orderly sequence. The third section is the bibliography, in which almost 400 references are usefully divided into those relating t o particular diseases, in addition t o general references. This is an attractive book in relation to size and content, appropriate t o its purpose. It does, however, have a defect which is serious in an atlas. The photomacrography is quite satisactory, but the quality of photomicrography leaves much to be desired. It is most unfortunate that this problem is prominent throughout the book and it is to be hoped
Pathology (1986), 18, January
BOOK REVIEWS
The book can only be recommended as an introduction to fine-needle aspiration cytology suitable for both pathologists in training, technologists working in cytology laboratories and clinicians interested in this technique. It is not suitable as a laboratory bench book in view of the brief and incomplete coverage of several of the clinically most important areas.
Svante R. Orell Histochemistry: Theoretical and Applied, Vol. 2, 4th ed. A. G . E. PEARSE1985 Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, London, Melbourne, New York (Aust. Distr. Longman Cheshire, Melbourne) $210.00 ISBN 0-443-029970-0 pp. 1055, illustrated. (Volume 1, Preparation and Optical Technology, was published in 1980 and the two volumes are part of a series of three). This is the book for which many have been waiting. A. G. E. Pearse is undoubtedly the source to which you turn for authoritative information and in this book he continues the format of previous editions by presenting a reasoned review of each subject together with historical perspectives, methodology and thorough reference lists. The volume is extensive having 1055 pages which includes a comprehensive index. Nine chapters are presented and cover proteins, peptides and amino acids, applied histochemistry of simple and glycosylated proteins, nucleic acids and nucleoproteins, carbohydrates and mucosubstances together with affinity cytochemistry which is concerned with the demonstration of individual sugars by a broad class of affinitins (lectins). These are followed by chapters covering lipids, lipoproteins and proteolipids, aldehydes and ketones, pigments and pigment precursors. Biogenic amines are then presented as a survey of the methodology concerned with the demonstration of naturally occurring amines by formaldehydeinduced fluorescence (FIF) and carbonyl and carboxylated acid-induced fluorescence (CIF). The final chapter deals with inorganic and foreign substances. The changes which have been made to the text have been thorough and result in a comprehensive and well produced book. Few authors would have the knowledge to undertake such a meticulously detailed and documented review of the current aspects of histochemistry. The only major criticism concerns the inclusion of some colour plates which lack instructive detail. In summary, the book is a worth successor t o earlier editions and can be highly recommended for purchase by anatomical pathology libraries or by the reader who may be a histochemistry enthusiast.
B. H. Munro
Atlas of Endometrial Histopathology. G . DALLENBACH-HELLWEG AND H. POULSEN 1985 Munksgaard International Publishers, Copenhagen D.Kr. 470.00 ISBN 87-16-0962606 pp. 229, illustrated.
For those readers familier with the size , format and quality colour printing of the WHO series on Histologocial Tumour Classification, this volume will elicit a distinct feeling of deja vu. Two hundred and sixty excellent half-page colour plates provide the bulk of the information, arranged by broad grouping into sections entitled: the normal endometrium, metaplastic changes, circulatory disturbances, functional disturbances, iatrogenic changes, endometritis and neoplasms. Grouping of illustrations is intended, by the authors, to reflect diagnosis by pattern recognition and t o a limited extent they have achieved this difficult aim. Areas of commonsense compromise, are exemplified by the figures of the acute intra-glandular inflammatory collections associated with intrauterine contraceptive devices being placed in the “iatrogenic changes” rather than “endometritis” section. In the final analysis , no substitute for a modicum of familiarity with the subject has been given, by which this highly recommended and comprehensive atlas can be best employed.
Explanatory notes are concise, although some of the terminology appears somewhat quaint (“deficient secretory phase with coordinated apparent delay”) and commonly used synonyms would have been appreciated. Notes direct the reader’s attention to both the salient histological features which establish the diagnosis and to the relevant plates which illustrate the differential in each case. The only serious deficiency of this atlas, a subject which I would imagine the authors considered and felt to be outside the scope of the present publication, is the conspicuous absence of any pregnancy-related conditions which commonly present themselves for diagnosis following an endometrial biopsy or curettage. The interpretation for various postabortal and post-partum changes and of trophoblastic disease bear heavily on the subject at issue. One looks eagerly forward to the appearance, perhaps, of a companion volume.
Peter Russell
Perinatal Autopsy Manual 1983. MARIEVALDES-DAPENA AND DALE HUFF. Published by the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, D.C. US$4.75 pp. 98, 92 illustrations. The caveat common to the different methods employed by pediatric pathologists for the perinatal autopsy is to avoid rendering the delineation of anatomical anomalies impossible by a cavalier style of dissection. A ‘safe’ and simple-to-follow method is set out in this well illustrated, step- by-step guide, which infrequent performers of perinatal autopsies can easily adopt. Macroscopic dissection based on the classical technique of Rokitansky is the main emphasis, rounded off with a method for examining the placenta. Helpful hints on the collection of specimens for laboratory investigations are offered along the way. The value would be enhanced by the inclusion of a few more reference indices of fetal development such as foot length, prominence of the nipples, and general points of external examination such as definition of hypertelorism and abnormal skin creases. The comprehensive protocols for reporting may be considered slightly inflexible by some. For the practising pediatric pathologist this manual can be a reliable basis on which to improvise changes. In the last chapter Dr Valdes-Dapena shares with us her experience in post-autopsy conferences with the parents, adding a fresh dimension to the art of autopsy in general. This is a thoughtful as well as handy bench reference.
A . E. Kan
Atlas of Breast Pathology. FOLKE LINELL AND OTTOLJUNGBERG 1984. Munksgard International Publishers Ltd., Copenhagen. D. Kr. 570,OO. ISBN 87-16-09636-3 pp. 305, colour illustrations. This atlas is one in a series intended for use as a diagnostic aid beside the microscope. The authors write from the basis of their extensive experience in a hospital pathology department. Although the designated audience is the experienced pathologist, an atlas such as this is probably of value mainly to advanced trainee pathologists and recently qualified specialists who have not yet built their own base of experience. The book is divided into three sections, the first of which is a short introduction describing techniques for handling breast specimens and giving general information o n the normal breast and its diseases. The second and major part is the atlas with photomicrographs and some photomacrographs, matched on the opposite page with descriptive text, unfortunately not including magnification figures, and covering most aspects of breast disease in orderly sequence. The third section is the bibliography, in which almost 400 references are usefully divided into those relating t o particular diseases, in addition t o general references. This is an attractive book in relation to size and content, appropriate t o its purpose. It does, however, have a defect which is serious in an atlas. The photomacrography is quite satisactory, but the quality of photomicrography leaves much to be desired. It is most unfortunate that this problem is prominent throughout the book and it is to be hoped