Liver Pathology: An Atlas and Concise Guide

 

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Arief A. Suriawinata and Swan N. Thung. Demos Medical of New York; 2011; 260 pp; $150.00.

As would be expected, these two internationally recognized pathologists have written a superb book of liver pathology. In 260 pages they have included discussions of most of the important clinical entities and chapters devoted to the techniques used by pathologists to define diagnosis. As intended by the authors, most chapters on disease entities are concise. They are introduced by a short clinical summary, a definition of the pathological features of the entity, and a differential diagnosis often accompanied by a summary chart. Each such chapter has extensive photo micrographs linked to the text.

Chapters are devoted to acute and chronic liver diseases, transplantable liver disorders, focal and neoplastic diseases, and pediatric liver disease. The initial chapter introduces the reader to the normal liver, and defines structural abnormalities and study methods such as immunochemistry, electron microscopy, and the interpretation of special stains. The abundance of excellent quality micrographs is remarkable; the images approach what can be seen directly through the microscope.

The book concludes with suggested reading for each section. The index is both helpful and inclusive.

The authors suggest that the text is a companion to additional readings. I found that Liver Pathology not only provides the basics of interpreting liver biopsies for pathologists, hepatologists, and gastroenterologists, but also includes a brief but comprehensive text for most clinical hepatic problems. Liver Pathology is a worthwhile addition to the library of most physicians interested in the liver. It is a fine companion to the current old standby, Scheuer's Liver Biopsy Interpretation, first published almost 50 years ago, recent editions of which have been written with or by Jay Lefkowitch. Its 9th edition is at the publisher and is scheduled for publication in late 2015.