Abstract
This massive two-volume human pathology reference text provides nearly complete coverage of neonatal, fetal, and pediatric pathology. While it may be more than the typical veterinary pathologist might need, a copy should be available at every diagnostic facility, teaching program, and wherever embryos and fetal tissues of any species are examined for diagnostics, drug development, or research. No other book can compare. Through the extensive use of tables, diagrams, color drawings, and photographs (nearly 2500 illustrations), all aspects of fetal and pediatric human pathology are covered in a comprehensive, efficient, and very practical form. Rare and common abnormalities are discussed in a well-organized format that makes finding important information fast and simple.
The book is divided into four major sections comprising 41 chapters: The first section covers the pathogenesis of fetal and pediatric disorders, including molecular genetics; the mechanisms of growth and development; birth defects; the pathology of abortion, stillbirth, and neonatal death; multiple pregnancies and co-joined twins; as well as infectious, nutritional, and metabolic diseases. The complications of perinatal care are also discussed here.
The second section presents the techniques for examination of the fetus and infant. Individual chapters include those on prenatal diagnosis and screening, the pathology of the placenta, autopsy techniques, forensic pediatric pathology, and the approach to sudden death in infants.
The third section reviews the major anomalies of external anatomy or in-situ relationships. These are divided into craniofacial abnormalities, disorders of the anterior thoracic and abdominal walls, and the back and perineum. While all these abnormalities are strictly human, the terminology is important to veterinary pathologists as we attempt to describe the abnormalities we find on the necropsy floor using a common systematic vocabulary.
The fourth and last section is a complete review of systemic pathology of the embryo, fetus, and neonate. This section, filling the entire second volume, is composed of 19 individual chapters such as cardiovascular, central nervous, and reproductive systems. More complicated or important chapters are subdivided further into parts for clarity and ease of use; e.g., the central nervous system chapter is divided into four subsections on development, malformations, brain damage, the “at-risk” fetus and infections, and tumors.
The first edition was produced in 1997, and the improvements in this edition are impressive, including an additional six chapters and numerous new contributing authors. Although this second edition contains a daunting amount of information, it is designed for ease of use. Sections and chapters are color-coded, diagrams are clear and easy to grasp, and the index is complete and often cross-referenced. Diagnostic flow-charts, summary tables, and crisp color photographs make this useful for diagnosticians and students. Teachers will especially appreciate the CD-ROM containing digital versions of all photographs and diagrams suitable for use in presentations. And researchers will find the references and comprehensive text an excellent up-to-date starting point for more in-depth investigations.