Book Review

Developmental Pathology of the Embryo and Fetus

N Engl J Med 1993; 328:1578-1579May 27, 1993

Article

Developmental Pathology of the Embryo and Fetus
Edited by James E. Dimmick and Dagmar K. Kalousek. 875 pp., illustrated. Philadelphia, J.B. Lippincott, 1992. $165. ISBN: 0-397-51040-3

This book is a welcome addition to the increasing number of books on pediatric and perinatal pathology. Together with the recent atlas Pathology of the Human Embryo and Previable Fetus by D.K. Kalousek, N. Fitch, and B.A. Paradice (New York: Springer-Verlag, 1990), it provides useful information for those interested in embryonic-fetal, placental, and perinatal pathology. The authors have succeeded in providing thorough and modern coverage of the pathology of intrauterine development, based on their experience over the past two decades at a respected and busy center, the University of British Columbia.

The first half of the book is devoted to normal development; concepts of embryonic-fetal disease and dysmorphology; discussions of metabolic, infectious, neoplastic, and placental disorders; and pathological aspects of abortions and multiple gestation. The second part deals with systemic pathology, with a concluding chapter on practical aspects of the autopsy of the fetus and embryo and examination of the placenta.

The book is less thorough in its coverage of microscopical pathology. The quality and appropriateness of the illustrations are somewhat uneven, particularly the microscopical images and electron micrographs. Some low-power images are of limited value.

Despite these few flaws, which are not unexpected in the first edition of a multiauthored work, this is an excellent book. It has ample, up-to-date references and contains a lot of information that is not otherwise easily accessible. The concluding chapter, with its practical description of the autopsy of the fetus and embryo, and the introductory chapters are very useful, particularly those on the pathological features of spontaneous abortion, chromosomal abnormalities, and inherited metabolic diseases. I am sure they will be consulted frequently. Developmental Pathology of the Embryo and Fetus is a much-needed addition to the sources of information in embryonic-fetal pathology.

Eduardo J. Yunis, M.D.
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213