Diagnostic Pathology: Neuropathology, 3rd Edition

By: B.K. Kleinschmidt-DeMasters, Melike Pekmezci, Fausto J. Rodriguez, Tarik Tihan 

ISBN: 9780323713306 

Publication Date: January 20, 2023 

Reviewed by: Ryan Erik Landvater, MD, Meng (University of Michigan Medical School)

Description 

This single-volume, third-edition book is an update to the previous version, which was published in 2016. The book has been updated to include changes introduced in the fifth edition of the WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System (CNS), such as new molecular classifications. 

Purpose 

This book serves as both a reference text for specific diagnostic queries and a generalized educational text about specific lesional entities. It emphasizes central nervous system lesions (neoplastic and non-neoplastic) rather than degenerative diseases. 

Audience 

This book is accessible to any practicing anatomic pathologist; however, the intended audience is neuropathologists of any level of training. The chapters are categorized by entity type and diagnosis, including brief descriptions of the salient features in generalized surgical pathology language with easily understandable verbiage geared toward pathologists with general surgical and molecular pathology training. Specific study references and subtle points are more applicable to neuropathology-trained physicians. 

Features 

The book is divided into neoplastic and non-neoplastic entities, including cysts, inflammatory/infectious lesions, and vascular diseases. The book also includes an additional chapter on cortical dysplasia. Chapters are subdivided into generalized salient points/molecular definitions, clinical features, radiologic findings, histologic findings, and important differential diagnoses to consider. The book contains an abundance of high-quality images to accompany each diagnosis. From a diagnostic perspective, the book is easy to navigate, owing to its conciseness and thoughtful organization. Easily identified definitions, abbreviations, and generalized terminology sections improve the readability of the book, especially for non-neuropathology-trained pathologists. Designed for efficient reference, the book is structured in a bulleted reference-like manner, which may exclude readers who prefer prose-style text. The use of annotated, high-quality histologic images as salient descriptors of diagnoses is particularly useful in distinguishing between histologic mimics on a differential. 

Assessment 

This book is an absolute must-have for practicing pathologists signing out neuropathology cases. It incorporates and succinctly summarizes updates to the recent fifth edition of the WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System (CNS). The book visually illustrates diagnostic features by emphasizing pertinent findings and terminology, while clearly highlighting relevant considerations in well-organized, bulleted text. The focus on molecular findings and classification, in addition to the very contemporary primary literature references (the majority of which were published in the last three years), justifies the need for this newest edition of an already highly praised reference series. The book adds value in helping practicing neuropathologists provide the most contemporary classification and characterization within their reports. 

©Doody’s Review Service, 2023, Ryan Erik Landvater, MD, Meng (University of Michigan Medical School): Doody’s Score: 95 – 4 Stars!

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