Cardiac Pathology: An Integrated Text and Colour Atlas

Abstract

In the past two decades, rapid advances have occurred in our understanding of the mechanism of normal cardiac contraction and of the effects of aging and disease on cardiac function. Much of this increase in knowledge has been the result of dramatic improvements in diagnostic imaging techniques, such as two-dimensional echocardiography and a variety of nuclear imaging techniques. More aggressive approaches to patients with common diseases—such as thrombolytic interventions in coronary thrombosis and intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in patients with unstable angina or with complications from infarction—in conjunction with advances in surgical treatment for such patients have resulted in a need for greater appreciation of cardiac pathology. Thus, although a detailed understanding of cardiac morphology has always been essential to pediatric cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons, internists, cardiologists, and radiologists now require an appreciation of the morphological manifestations of cardiovascular disorders. This handsome atlas of cardiac pathology is an exciting edition. The