Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis

From the New England Journal of Medicine, August 7, 2003
This impressively heavy and bulky book is loaded with useful information and impressive photographs and should be added to the pediatric library of all departments, schools, and practitioners' offices. The fourth edition of the Atlas is more comprehensive than previous editions: it has vastly expanded chapters and additional features that make it easier to use than the previous editions. The quality of the illustrations continues to be high, and the tables, figures, radiographs, and photographs are generally of superior quality. Zitelli and Davis's book is, to be sure, a compendium of tables and images, but it also includes a considerable amount of written material to accompany the pictorial content. The selection of photographs is excellent. Most of them are in color, and the illustrative examples of particular diagnostic entities are generally appropriate. Most of the photographs are of white children; because certain dermatologic conditions have different manifestations in children of African descent, it would have been useful to show those differences, where applicable. The topics covered are those that lend themselves to visual diagnosis. There are some redundancies: the chapters on nephrology and urologic disorders share some topics, and many of the subjects covered in the chapter on infectious disease are also covered in the chapter on dermatology. Useful techniques for physical examination are also illustrated and include ways to hold or position a child for examination of the ears, methods of genital examination to evaluate for sexual abuse, and techniques for ophthalmologic and neurologic evaluation. These helpful suggestions are well described in the text and clearly shown in photographs. Developmental assessment is also illustrated by appropriate pictorial examples. The Atlas nicely juxtaposes schematic illustrations with photographs of pathological specimens and photographs of specimens with radiologic images. This edition includes examples of imaging techniques, such as computed tomographic scanning, magnetic resonance imaging, radionuclide scanning, and ultrasonography, in addition to radiography. For example, the schematic representation of grades of hydronephrosis is particularly enhanced by the accompanying cystourethrograms. Of particular relevance is the excellent chapter on child abuse and neglect. Photographs show techniques such as examination with the use of Wood's lamp, which enhances the visualization of bruises and of relatively unusual injuries, such as cigarette-lighter burns and bruises from coining or cupping. This remarkably comprehensive chapter includes the different diagnostic entities to be considered in evaluating a child for the possibility of physical or sexual abuse. The examination strategies and techniques for clinical, radiologic, and laboratory evaluations and the historical information necessary to confirm such diagnoses are provided in comprehensive detail. Perhaps the only way to improve this publication would be to include with it a CD-ROM containing many of the tables and photographs. The bulkiness of the book and its sheer weight will keep it in a bookcase or on a desk; it is not a book to carry around for reference. However, it is a must-have book, and at $129 it is a best buy. Kathleen G. Nelson, M.D.Copyright © 2003 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved. The New England Journal of Medicine is a registered trademark of the MMS.

From Book News, Inc.
Comprehensively revised since the last edition, this color atlas presents some 2,000 illustrations of conditions that lend themselves to visual diagnosis. The text accompanying the images emphasizes historical factors, examination techniques, visual findings, and diagnostic methods rather than therapy. The 23 chapters begin with genetic disorders and dysmorphic conditions, then cover neonatology, developmental-behavioral pediatrics, allergy and immunology, conditions of each body system (e.g. cardiology, dermatology), child abuse and neglect, infectious disease, surgery, pediatric and adolescent gynecology, orthopedics, and craniofacial syndromes. Most contributors are from the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.Book News, Inc.®, Portland, OR

Book Description
Thoroughly revised and updated, the 4th Edition of this practical reference presents superbly illustrated guidance on the visual diagnosis of hundreds of common and important pediatric disorders. Accompanying text emphasizes pertinent historical factors, examination techniques, visual findings, and diagnostic methods rather than therapy. Expanded coverage from new contributors enhances readers' diagnostic skills, enabling them to take advantage of the best treatment options available. "This book is more than just an atlas. It contains thorough text in most major subspecialties of pediatric practice." --JAMA, rev. of last edition.

Book Info
Univ. of Pittsburgh, PA. Color atlas overviews clinical disorders which lend themselves to visual diagnosis. Contains new information on dysmorphology, genetic diagnosis, and many more topics. A new chapter on craniofacial syndromes has been added. Includes many high-quality illustrations. For students, residents, nurses, and pediatrics. Previous edition: c1997.

About the Author
Basil J. Zitelli, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Diagnostic Referral Center, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; and Holly W. Davis, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Child Advocacy Center, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA


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The contributors represent more than a dozen pediatric subspecialties, including cardiology, orthopedics, dermatology, pulmonology, and allergy/immunology. All are from U.S. universities, academic medical centers, and hospitals, including Univ of Pittsburgh, Univ of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and Johns Hopkins.


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