Bookreviews
SCLERODERMA. Proceedings of an International Symposium sponsored by the World Health Organization. Edited by Prof. F. Delbarre, Paris, 1972, Masson et Cie, 311 pp. This series of papers represent the proceedings of a symposium sponsored by the World Health Organization. The papers are in French or English. This book is concerned with seven main subjects; namely, general aspects of scleroderma, scleroderma as a cutaneous disease, scleroderma as a systematic disease, the clinical forms, diagnostic problems, anatomic and pathologic changes, and treatment. In essence, this is a summary of the practical clinical problems of scleroderma, a somewhat rare but important disease. This review is a good one and the book certainly is useful in that it contains the important aspects of the problems of scleroderma presented for the clinician. Doctors will find this to be an excellent review of the subject. ADVANCES IN CARDIOLOGY. Early Diagnosis nary Heart Disease. P. Halonen and A. Editors, Helsinki, Basel, Munchen, Paris, New York, Sydney, 1973, S. Karger AG, Price $24.20.
of CoroLouhija, London, 231 pp.
This important book describes the present day idea on the early diagnosis of coronary heart disease. It really contains nothing especially new but it brings together for readers the concepts of clinicians concerning their own experience with the early diagnosis of coronary heart disease. The book is certainly worth owning and studying. Coronary arteriography, emotional factors, hyperlipemia, apexcardiography, atrial pacing, measurements of coronary flow, prevention and early diagnosis are among the many subjects discussed. This is a useful book for valuable reading by those with limited time. BLOOD FLOW MEASUREMENT. Edited Roberts, Baltimore, 1972, The Williams Company, 184 pp. Price $18.75. Dr.
by Colin & Wilkins
Roberts has edited a book which is concerned briefly with aspects of the methods and techniques for measuring blood flow in the heart and large blood vessels. The peripheral flow such as in the digits and microcirculation is neglected. Each presentation, of which there are 34 in 181 pages, can attest to the brevity of each discussion. Nevertheless, those who are seriously engaged in studying and measuring blood flow will find this book interesting. The problems, difficulties, and inaccuracies of the various techniques are not criti-
cally discussed. This would not be expected in this small book. The book is well written and clearly presented so that readers can learn the methods and principles involved in measuring blood flow in large vessels. ANTIARRHYTHMIC AGENTS. Arthur J. Moss, M.D., and Robert D. Patton, M.D., Springfield, Ill., 1973, Charles C Thomas, Publisher, 161 pp. Moss and Patton have produced a book which is concerned primarily with ten antiarrhythmic agents commonly used in medicine at present. The electrophysiology of the heart is briefly described and the pharmacology and clinical use of the antiarrhythmic agents presented in separate chapters. The entire book contains only 112 pages and therefore would not be expected to contain detailed information about these drugs. The authors have presented their own concepts in management briefly. Readers will find this to be a short quick source of data on important drugs. MYOCARDIAL BLOOD FLOW IN MAN. Methods and Significance in Coronary Disease. A. Maseri, M.D., Editor, Turin, 1972, Minerva Medica, 576 pp. Price $35.00. This book contains the papers and discussions on Myocardial Blood Flow in Man presented at a meeting in Pisa during June 10 to 12, 1971. The participants were from many nations and the subjects discussed were quite varied. The book is divided into six parts and a round table discussion. The six parts were concerned with determinants of myocardial blood flow transmural distribution, theoretical and technical problems, hemodynamic correlates, significance of measurements, adaptations to ischemia, and adaptations of myocardial perfusion to coronary artery disease. Discussions follow most of the papers. A considerable number of problems are discussed. They are of importance and should interest physiologists and cardiologists since ischemic heart disease is so common. In spite of the extensive studies in progress, it is still not possible to measure quantitatively the rate of coronary blood flow with sufficient accuracy and sensitivity to meet the needs required to supplement the clinical data already obtainable. The procedures available for intact man are too complex and insensitive to be of practical value. This is evident from this book. Nevertheless, this is an important publication which should interest cardiologists and physiologists. The organizing group for the symposium has done a fine service to cardiology.
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