Increased Intracranial Pressure in Children.

Abstract

This is the latest in the highly successful series Major Problems in Clinical Pediatrics, begun in 1964 under the editorship of A. J. Schaffer. Many of these monographs have come to be recognized as outstanding works in the field of pediatrics. As this work is the first of this series to cover clinical pediatric neurology, the title is rather deceptive. It is only after reading the monograph that one realizes the scope of this well-written book. It is actually a survey of the numerous neurological and neurosurgical topics seen in pediatrics, discussed in light of the most recent thoughts, modes of investigation, and treatment. The book is divided into three parts: (a) increased intracranial pressure, (b) causes of increased intracranial pressure, and (c) intracranial tumors in childhood. Due to the limited number of pages allotted to this work, the discussion of cerebral trauma, abscess, tumor, and hydrocephalus is necessarily brief. The longest section of this work is devoted to neoplasms, a subject which is condensed into 100 pages. Developmental abnormalities of the skull, meninges, and brain, which may cause increased intracranial pressure, are only partly surveyed under hydrocephalus. In spite of the brevity of each section, the authors have managed to provide a well-written discussion under t~e headings of pathogenesis, clinical, laboratory, and pathological findings in addition to management. They have added both historical as well as the most recent thoughts in these sections, with reference to different workers. There is an excellent reference list after each chapter which will enable readers to pursue each subject in greater detail. . The numerous illustrations also add to the attractiveness and usefulness of this book. Out of 260 pages, there are 91 radiographs, 72 photographs, and photomicrographs ~f the pathological specimens, as well as 50 photo¥raphs of children with specific clinical conditions, most of which are excellently reproduced. Many of the radio~aphs correspo~d to pho~o­ graphs of gross pathological specimens, enhancI~g the bnef description of the radiographic findings in the different conditions. This book is recommended to general radiologists for its succinct, interesting, and excellent coverage of the different conditions which may be encountered in infants and children with increased intracranial pressure. After reading this book, a radiologist should have a better insight of the many conditions to be considered in analyzing and interpreting the radiographic findings shown in the skull and brain.