Fuller G N Goodman J C:

Practical Review of Neuropathology, 352 pp, Philadelphia, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001 ($69.95).

Gregory N. Fuller and J. Clay Goodman intended that their book, Practical Review of Neuropathology, provide a conceptual framework of neuropathologic diseases and depict essential elements of specific neurologic diagnoses. The authors envision facilitating fruitful dialogue between the theoretical world of the basic scientist and the practical world of the clinical investigator/practitioner by clarifying neuropathologic topics using fundamental scientific principles. This book is skillfully organized, and perspectives (a logical approach to understanding) and objectives are clearly outlined at the beginning of each chapter. Abundant figures, tables, and photographs precisely illustrate key concepts as they relate to a broad spectrum of specific neuropathologic disorders. A short bibliography at the end of each chapter cites the most significant relevant references for a particular subject.

This review guides the reader to a better understanding of general scientific principles that are the foundation of neuropathologic disease. Medical students and residents studying for board exams will find the format of this book ideal for both learning and reviewing neuropathology. Medical practitioners, researchers, and educators who treat or study neurologic diseases also will appreciate both the substance and style of the presented material. The authors profess that a unifying theme of neuropathology is that all underlying processes can be understood in terms of disorders of cell life (i.e., developmental disease, neoplasia) or cell death (i.e., vascular disease, neurodegenerative disease). Key features of specific neuropathologic diseases and practical pathologic concepts are presented using descriptive text, eloquent tables, succinct figures, and classic photographs of neuroradiologic images, gross specimens, and histologic sections. Practical Review of Neuropathology is an effective, well-illustrated review that is exceptionally readable, using colorful language and subtle humor to keep the reader thoroughly engaged. Neurology, pathology, and neurosurgery residents should consider using this text as their primary study guide during their neuropathology rotations.