BOOK REVIEWchd_393 191..192

The Aorta: Structure, Function, Dysfunction,and Diseases, Informa Healthcare, 1st Edition,$249.95, ISBN: 978-1-84184-591-3, 350 pages,Hard Cover, ISBN-10: 1-84184-591-4

Editors:Boudoulas, Harisios, MD, DR; Stefanadis,Christodoulos, MD, DR

Specialties: Cardiology

At A Glance

It is well appreciated today that the aorta doesnot only serve a conduit function, but also playsimportant roles modulating arterial functionthroughout the entire cardiovascular system. Thisbook covers all the aspects of the aorta, genetics,embryology, anatomy, function in health anddisease, and diseases states. More specifically, thebook deals with the function of the aorta, notonly as a pathophysiological entity but also as asignificant prognostic indicator for cardiovascularevents. It also covers all other aspects of aorticdiseases, such as aortic aneurysms, aortic dissec-tions, intramular hematoma, congenital heartdiseases, heritable connective tissue disorders,and aortic trauma. The aging aorta, aorta andpregnancy, and aortic pain are also discussedextensively. Data related to molecular/geneticmechanisms in aortic function and diseases areincluded. All established and cutting-edge tech-niques for the evaluation of aortic function andstructure are presented comprehensively.

Score

Range Question Score

1–10 Are the author’s objectives met? 101–10 Rate the worthiness of those objectives. 101–5 Is this written at an appropriate level? 51–5 Is there significant duplication? (1 = significant,

5 = insignificant)4

1–5 Are there significant omissions? (1 = significant,5 = insignificant)

5

1–5 Rate the authority of the authors. 51–5 Are there sufficient illustrations? 51–5 Rate the pedagogic value of the illustrations. 41–5 Rate the print quality of the illustrations. 51–5 Are there sufficient references? 51–5 Rate the currency of the references. 41–5 Rate the pertinence of the references. 41–5 Rate the helpfulness of the index. 41–5 If important in this specialty, rate the physical

appearance of the book5

1–10 Is this a worthwhile contribution to the field? 101–10 If this is a 2nd or later edition, is this new edition

needed?N/A

94 (out of 100)

Description

This is a thorough review of the physiologyand pathophysiology of the aorta, incorporatingembryology, histology, pharmacology, hemody-namics, and imaging modalities as well as surgicaland endovascular interventions.

Purpose

The book brings together numerous experts in thefield of cardiovascular medicine and surgery toprovide a synopsis of their expertise in regard tothe aorta.

Audience

The preface notes that the book is for “all studentsof medicine.” It is written at a level most appro-priate for those with a focus on vascular physiol-ogy and pathology, such as physicians in training,vascular medicine physicians, cardiologists, andboth vascular and cardiothoracic surgeons.

Features

The book describes the aorta in health anddisease including its embryology, healthy states

191

© 2010 Copyright the AuthorJournal Compilation © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Congenit Heart Dis. 2010;5:191–192

such as pregnancy, disease states, and post-mortem examinations. The chapters are arrangedin a chronological progression from the earlieststages of formation of the aorta, including con-genital malformations, to aortic physiology inthe healthy adult, to various pathologic mecha-nisms. It explores acute pathology and dis-section of the aorta, as well as all major imagingmodalities used in its evaluation. All chaptersare accompanied by impressive illustrations ofrelevant imaging findings and gross pathologicspecimens.

Assessment

This superb synthesis of illustration, explanation,and data compilation is a valuable contribution tothe understanding of aortic physiology and patho-logy. It summarizes information from divergentdisciplines and offers a coherent and informativereview.

Joseph Owen, MDOchsner Clinic Foundation

1315 Jefferson Hwy.New Orleans, LA 70121

Book Review192

Congenit Heart Dis. 2010;5:191–192