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Gastrointestinal Pathology
THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY © 2000 by Am. Coll. of Gastroenterology Published by Elsevier Science Inc.
Vol. 95, No. 6, 2000 ISSN 0002-9270/00/$20.00 PII S0002-9270(00)00914-X
BOOK REVIEW Edited by Rowen K. Zetterman, M.D.
Gastrointestinal Pathology By Parakrama Chandrasoma, Appleton & Lange, 1999, ISBN 0-8385-3093. This addition to our repertoire on gastrointestinal pathology serves two functions: a textbook and an atlas. It is written by a senior, experienced gastrointestinal pathologist with the active participation of his team of residents, fellows, and assistant professors. It then represents a “School” in which a standard approach to the task of surgical pathology diagnoses has been reached after considerable experience. This has the advantage of a unified style, contrasting with available books in which several authors, each an authority in a narrow field, contributes his/her chapter. It is, therefore, very useful as a companion in surgical pathology sign-out teams, especially when several senior, junior, and “in-training” pathologists participate. It is abundantly illustrated with mostly excellent gross and microscopic photographs. In most chapters, the state of the art in diagnostic pathology is well represented. In most cases, a choice has been made in discussing and recommending the author’s own interpretation of controversial issues. By the nature of its approach and authorship, this book
can be of great help in dealing with the most common nosological entities and their most frequent histopathological manifestations. It may be less helpful in resolving uncommon entities or situations in which the pathologists need in-depth search for experts with more focused experiences. Similarly, it should not be expected to find in this book insights into the physiopathology or pathogenesis of the entities under study. For example: while discussing the role of the M cells overlying lymphoid follicles, the authors consider that their reported function may be of theoretical value but not of particular use “as yet.” In summary, this book can be highly recommended as a tool in surgical pathology diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases, and especially for residents and junior pathologists. In the words of the author, they are going through an experience similar to that of the Jedi Knights in the movie Star Wars, and their leader, the senior surgical pathologist, is in charge of making sure they conquer “The Force.” Pelayo Correa, M.D. Louisiana State University Medical Center New Orleans, Louisiana
Vol. 95, No. 6, 2000 ISSN 0002-9270/00/$20.00 PII S0002-9270(00)00914-X
BOOK REVIEW Edited by Rowen K. Zetterman, M.D.
Gastrointestinal Pathology By Parakrama Chandrasoma, Appleton & Lange, 1999, ISBN 0-8385-3093. This addition to our repertoire on gastrointestinal pathology serves two functions: a textbook and an atlas. It is written by a senior, experienced gastrointestinal pathologist with the active participation of his team of residents, fellows, and assistant professors. It then represents a “School” in which a standard approach to the task of surgical pathology diagnoses has been reached after considerable experience. This has the advantage of a unified style, contrasting with available books in which several authors, each an authority in a narrow field, contributes his/her chapter. It is, therefore, very useful as a companion in surgical pathology sign-out teams, especially when several senior, junior, and “in-training” pathologists participate. It is abundantly illustrated with mostly excellent gross and microscopic photographs. In most chapters, the state of the art in diagnostic pathology is well represented. In most cases, a choice has been made in discussing and recommending the author’s own interpretation of controversial issues. By the nature of its approach and authorship, this book
can be of great help in dealing with the most common nosological entities and their most frequent histopathological manifestations. It may be less helpful in resolving uncommon entities or situations in which the pathologists need in-depth search for experts with more focused experiences. Similarly, it should not be expected to find in this book insights into the physiopathology or pathogenesis of the entities under study. For example: while discussing the role of the M cells overlying lymphoid follicles, the authors consider that their reported function may be of theoretical value but not of particular use “as yet.” In summary, this book can be highly recommended as a tool in surgical pathology diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases, and especially for residents and junior pathologists. In the words of the author, they are going through an experience similar to that of the Jedi Knights in the movie Star Wars, and their leader, the senior surgical pathologist, is in charge of making sure they conquer “The Force.” Pelayo Correa, M.D. Louisiana State University Medical Center New Orleans, Louisiana