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IJC’ 00378

Book Reviews

The Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Disease Graham A.H. Miller, Robert H. Anderson and Michael L. Rigby Castle House Publications Ltd, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, 1985: 140 pp.: E24.00; 1SBN

o-71 94-011 o-o

In the introduction the authors state that this book is “aimed at those meeting the discipline

of paediatric cardiology for the first time”. This objective has been well achieved throughout the first nine chapters. The physiological approach to the diagnosis of congenital heart disease

is clearly presented. The underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms and their consequences are

discussed in a way that leaves little room for doubt. There is a tendency towards repetition of some points due to the overlap present in congenital heart disease. but this minor drawback is overcome by the excellent achievement of the primary objective. The chapter on echocardiog- raphy is profusely illustrated with schematic diagrams which simplify the understanding of

this invaluable non-invasive technique. Perhaps the sections on the chest radiograph and the electrocardiogram would have benefitted from a few illustrations.

The chapters on the diagnostic code used at the Brompton Hospital should prove to be very useful to the specialist wishing to computerize the information obtained from the study of congenital heart disease. The practical use of sequential segmental analysis for the nomenclature of cardiac malformations is thoroughly covered.

Overall, both the beginner (medical student. house officers. registrars and general paediatricians) and the expert will find this a worthwhile book. The simplified, logical approach to congenital heart disease plus the applicability of the diagnostic code are its major assets.

<;uy’s Hospital London. U.K. J.A. Ettedgui

Prostaglandins and Other Eicosanoids in the Cardiovascular System

Editor: K. Schroer

S. Karger A.G., Basel, 1985: 572 pp.; $70.25; ISBN 3-8055-4007-8

This book, based on the communications presented at the 2nd International Symposium on Prostaglandins. held in West Germany in May. 1984, records the contents of 13 review lectures and 79 selected original contributions, as well as two Podium discussions on

methodology. in the rapidly expanding field of prostaglandins and related compounds. Three hundred participants from all over the globe attended this symposium and several leading workers in the field are among the contributors to the proceedings.

0167-5273/X6/$03.50 ‘1 1986 Elsevier Science Publishers B.V. (Biomedical Division)