Cerebral Dysgenesis: Embryology and Clinical Expression [Hardcover]

Harvey B. Sarnat (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 1992

Among physicians responsible for the care of human infants born with a malformed nervous system, there is a compelling need for an accessible synthesis and summary of modern embryological concepts of dysgenesis. This book integrates the morphological, clinical, neurological, genetic, neurophysiological and imaging aspects of cerebral malformation in the context of a lucid embryological explanation. Rather than presenting a catalog of anatomical abnormalities, the text focuses on pathogenesis and clinical aspects. Anatomical appearances are described by imaging in life, while neuropathological features are derived from findings at autopsy. Embryological explanations are identified as documented observation or speculation. Among the topics covered are encephaloceles as a disorder of the primitive streak and node; cerebral hypoplasia as a precocious differentiation of the ependyma before all mitotic generations of the neuroepithelial cells are completed; holosprosencephaly as a disorder of the lamina terminalis; agenesis of the corpus callosum as a failure of programmed glial cell death in the callosal plate in preparation for axonal growth cone passage; subcortical heterotopia as an arrest of late neuroblast migrations due to retraction of radial glial guide fibers from the pial surface of the brain. The literature is exhaustively reviewed and supplemented by the author's own experience. The book is richly illustrated throughout.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is a definite requirement for any resident in Neurology or established clinician with an interest in cerebral dysgenesis." - The Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences, Vol. 22, No. 1, February 1995

"Sarnat has... has pulled together all the basic scientific research in the field of embryology [He] states in the preface that he has tried "to convey an integrated view of the ontogentic basis of cerebral dysgenesis in a context meaningful to medical practitioners." He has accomplished this task with apparent ease, underscoring in doing so his depth of knowledge in this field, as well as his sensitivity to and persistent awe of the subject matter he so skillfully describes....The photographs of embryonic tissue are clear and have been well chosen to demonstrate the points made in the text, but it is the clarity of the text that carries the reader step by step along the path of the developing nervous system....To say the 82 pages of references are comprehensive would be an understatement. They include both historical and up-to-date material, in keeping with the structure of the book." --The New England Journal of Medicine

"This text presents a comprehensive review of normal and abnormal embryology of the human nervous system, focusing on both biological and medical aspects of neuropathology in the neonate." --Biosis

"This well-organized monograph gives a comprehensive review of the disorders of the developing brain. In eight chapters, Dr. Sarnat combines the knowledge of a developmental neuropathologist, clinical pediatric neurologist, and comparitive neuroanatomist with the findings of clinical neurophysiologists and neuroradiologists. This book is an invaluable source of information and will be of use to professionals, medical students, and residents who care for neurologically and developmentally abnormal children." --Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Annals

"Throughout, there are excellent references from diverse sources. The references alone are a major resource and fill 82 pages....Dr. Sarnat has pulled together relevant literature from widely diverse sources to assist us in understanding these developmental disorders....One strength of the book is that the author not only writes clearly but he never loses sight of his goal, helping the clinician understand the ontogenic basis of cerebral dysgenesis....For physicians interested in learning more about cerebral dysgenesis and its relation to clinical disorders, there is no better source than this book. Dr. Sarnat has brought together a wealth of information and references that will help us all understand neurodevelopnent better. This boook is a treasure, and anyone working with children or adults who have cerebral dysgenesis should study it carefully." --Gary J. Myers, MD (Rochester, NY), Archives of Neurology

"A definite requirement for any resident in Neurology or established clinician with an interest in cerebral dysgenesis. The author has succeeded in presenting the complex array of central nervous system malformations in a logical, thoughtful manner combining the right mixture of normal human nervous system development with alterations of the maturational processes and their clinical pathological expressions....An accomplishment of what the author set out to do. It has integrated the basic scientific knowledge of neuroembryology with the array of clinical dysgenetic entities in a manner that is logical, clear, practical and relevant to the practice of neruology. We must congratulate the author for putting together an excellent text that will be appreciated by all with an interest in cerebral dysgenesis." --P. Diadori, Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences

"This well-organized monograph gives a comprehensive review of the disorders of the developing brain. In eight chapters, Dr. Sarnat combines the knowledge of a developmental neuropathologist, clinical pediatric neurologist, and comparative neuroanatomist with the findings of clinical neurophysiologists and neuroradiologists. This book is an invaluable source of information and will be of use to professionals, medical students, and residents who care for neurologically and developmentally abnormal children." --Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Annals

"Throughout, there are excellent references from diverse sources. The references alone are a major resource and fill 82 pages....Dr. Sarnat has pulled together relevant literature from widely diverse sources to assist us in understanding these developmental disorders....One strength of the book is that the author not only writes clearly but he never loses sight of his goal, helping the clinician understand the ontogenic basis of cerebral dysgenesis....For physicians interested in learning more about cerebral dysgenesis and its relation to clinical disorders, there is no better source than this book. Dr. Sarnat has brought together a wealth of information and references that will help us all understand neurodevelopnent better. This book is a treasure, and anyone working with children or adults who have cerebral dysgenesis should study it carefully."--Gary J. Myers, MD (Rochester, NY), Archives of Neurology

About the Author

Harvey B. Sarnat, Professor of Pediatrics, Pathology and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 496 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 1 edition (October 15, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195064429
• ISBN-13: 978-0195064421
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,216,077 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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