Diagnostic Cytopathology

Diagnostic Cytopathology

458 BOOK REVIEWS but represent a useful extension of illustrated material. The quizzes are an enjoyable and novel feature. The conditions listed in ...

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458

BOOK REVIEWS

but represent a useful extension of illustrated material. The quizzes are an enjoyable and novel feature. The conditions listed in the introductory overview page at the beginning of each chapter lack page numbers, often making it cumbersome to find the relevant text. The index fails to indicate the location of the main discussion for many conditions listed. The paucity of recent references is disappointing. I found no journal reference later than 1999. Although it is likely that the reader will outgrow this text when the structural organisation of this and larger books is appreciated, it should still find a place in providing an easy entry into the field. Abe Dorevitch Dorevitch Pathology Heidelberg. Victoria Disorders of Thrombosis and Hemostasis: Clinical and Laboratory Practice: 3rd Edition. RODGER L. BICK, EDITOR. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia, 2002. ISBN 0-397-51690-8, Hardcover, pp 446, AUD$305.80 This is a medium-sized textbook on thrombosis and haemostasis. It is prepared and edited by Dr R.L. Bick, who also wrote 13 of its 20 chapters. He wrote some chapters himself and wrote other chapters with his co-authors. Unlike the larger texts on this topic, this book has relatively few contributors, 13 in total. The book is divided equally into two parts: the first 10 chapters are devoted to haemostasis and the latter 10 to thrombosis. The book begins with a chapter on the physiology of haemostasis. This is discussed along a rather traditional line; the modern concept of the central and critical role played by tissue factor/factor VII in haemostasis is not discussed. The next chapter is on the clinical assessment of patients with haemorrhage. One obvious omission in this book is a chapter on the general management of bleeding patients. Such a chapter would be very helpful, particularly if it included detailed discussion on the clinical uses of plasma products that are commonly used in the treatment of patients with serious bleeding, such as clotting factor concentrates and cryoprecipitates, and haemostatic agents, such as recombinant Factor VIIa (NovoSeven). Subsequent chapters deal with haemorrhagic disorders, including diseases due to vascular, platelet and coagulation protein defects. The chapter on platelet-function defects is excellent; it contains many typical platelet aggregation tracings of the common qualitative platelet disorders. In the second part of the book, management of thrombosis is very well covered. There is a chapter for each of the following: thromboprophylaxis, oral anticoagulant therapy, heparin and low molecular weight heparins, antiplatelet therapy and thrombolytic therapy. Another obvious omission is a chapter on the new antithrombotic agents, such as the pentasaccharides (fondaparinux). In contrast to other larger texts, it does not attempt to be exhaustive in its coverage of the topic. This book focuses mainly on the diagnosis and management of thrombotic and bleeding disorders. Basic research and animal data that are not relevant to clinical practice are kept to a minimum. In each disease, the aetiology and pathophysiology are concisely discussed, but the molecular aspects of the disease mechanisms are not adequately dealt with. This book is well illustrated with many tables and black-and-white figures. This book would be useful to haematologists and the laboratory scientists who work in haematology laboratories, and probably also to other medical specialists with an interest in thrombosis and haemostasis. Beng H. Chong St.George Clinical School University of New South Wales Diagnostic Cytopathology: 2nd Edition. WINIFRED GRAY, GRACE T. MCKee, EDITORS. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 2003. ISBN 0-443-06473-3, Hardcover, pp xiz1042, AUD$685.30 The second edition of Winifred Gray’s Diagnostic Cytopathology is a wellwritten and beautifully illustrated update of her comprehensive textbook of cytopathology. As in the first edition, there is wide coverage of both gynaecological and non-gynaecological cytology. Many chapters have been re-written and it is particularly gratifying to note how many Australian cytopathologists are amongst the listed authors. The book is arranged by systems and covers the majority of areas of gynaecological and non-gynaecological cytology, including exfoliative and fine needle aspiration cytology. There is also inclusion of some of the less documented areas of cytology, such as semen analysis, cytology of synovial fluid and cytology of the eye. However, the main strength of this textbook is its up-to-date treatment of the more common diagnostic areas that cytopathologists deal with on a day-to-day basis. Each topic is introduced by a general discussion of clinical, cytological and histological

Pathology (2003), 35(5), October findings and concluded with point-form summaries of cytological features and diagnostic pitfalls. In areas such as the breast, particular attention is paid to causes of false-positive and -negative results. A chapter on the role of fine needle aspiration in breastscreening is also very well written and referenced. Although the discussion and guidelines pertain to breastscreening in the British medical system, the principals relating to diagnostic categories, recommendations and pitfalls translate well into an Australian setting. This textbook goes beyond pure diagnostic criteria in cytopathology and includes discussions of ancillary techniques such as immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, molecular biology and biochemical analysis. In these areas the material presented is current and well summarised and includes practical diagnostic applications of these new technologies. The chapters dealing with gynaecological cytology are also comprehensive and, in line with the rest of the book, well illustrated. British terminology is used in discussing cervical neoplasia, but there is also presentation and analysis of the Bethesda system. The gynaecological chapters also include a presentation of new technologies, including a comprehensive discussion of fluid-based techniques and automated screening methodologies. A separate chapter dealing with the pathogenesis of cervical neoplasia and the role of human papilloma virus represents a good summary of current thought on this area. The discussion follows the same outline as in the previous edition; however, much of the information has been expanded and updated. In summary, this textbook is a comprehensive and up-to-date reference for both gynaecological and non-gynaecological cytology. The illustrations are in colour and are of a high standard. The index is comprehensive and easy to use. Summaries, tables and diagnostic algorithms make the book particularly useful as a day-to-day reference for practicing cytopathologists and also as a study aid for cytologists and registrars. I would highly recommend this book to anyone desiring a general textbook of cytology and believe it would make a valuable addition to departmental libraries. I would also recommend this book to those who already possess the first edition. Many of the chapters have been revised and expanded, and the information presented is well written, relevant and up to date. Elizabeth Salisbury Head of Cytology, ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales Non-Neoplastic Disorders of the Lower Respiratory Tract. Atlas of Nontumor Pathology, First Series, Fascicle 2. TRAVIS WD, COLBY TV, KOSS MN, ROSADO-DE-CRISTENSON ML, MU¨LLER NL, KING TE JNR, EDITORS. American Registry of Pathology/Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington DC, 2002. ISBN 1-881041-79-4. Hardcover, pp xixz939. US$195 z postage Most practising surgical pathologists are familiar with the Atlas of Tumor Pathology from the American Registry of Pathology/Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, now about to enter its 4th incarnation. This volume of almost 1000 pages is the 2nd fascicle in the 1st series of the Atlas of Nontumor Pathology from the same stable. As such, it is a welcome addition and companion volume to the fascicle on Tumors of the Lower Respiratory Tract. This book is a systematic and lavishly illustrated account of the diagnostic pathology of non-neoplastic disorders of the lung and pleura. Although other excellent texts on respiratory pathology of the lung are available (for example, the Dail-Hammar text Pulmonary Pathology, 2nd ed, 1994), this work is the most up-to-date compendium of, and practical guide to, non-tumour lung pathology available in English at this time. The chapters range from the handling of various types of lung biopsy specimens, through the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, bronchial disorders, congenital anomalies and paediatric disorders, diverse infections, interpretation of lung biopsies from immunocompromised patients, and transplantation pathology, as well as other chapters on pulmonary vascular disorders, occupational lung diseases and miscellaneous disorders of uncertain aetiology. The discussion is clear and problem-based throughout, emphasising the criteria for histological diagnosis, with impressive emphasis on clinicopathological correlation. The numerous colour photographs of consistently superlative quality are not only beautiful, but also highly informative; in addition, the chest radiographs and high-resolution CT (HRCT) scans further emphasise the importance of clinical–radiological–pathological correlation. The 182-page chapter on diffuse parenchymal disorders—including the interstitial pneumonias that continue to represent a source of confusion, uncertainty and even despair for pathologists and clinicians alike—is