Baehr M, Frotscher M. Duus’ Topical Diagnosis in Neurology: Anatomy, Physiology, Signs, Symptoms. 5th Edition. Thieme 2012, 344 pages, 400 illustrations, $59.99.
Duus’ Topical Diagnosis in Neurology is a classic textbook on neurologic anatomy that has recently been revised by Professors Mathias Baehr and Michael Frotscher. This new version is a 317-page softcover edition that has been updated with clear, concise graphics, excellent neuroradiological correlates, and strong references.
The book is divided into eleven chapters: Elements of the Nervous System, Somatosensory System, Motor System, Brainstem, Cerebellum, Diencephalon and Autonomic Nervous System, Limbic System, Basal Ganglia, Cerebrum, Coverings of the Brain and Spinal Cord, and Blood Supply and Vascular Disorders of the Central Nervous System. Each chapter contains useful illustrations that help reinforce learning. Image captions are well written and contain accurate descriptions when needed. Cases are presented in each chapter, which gives the reader variety and helps emphasize key topics.
This book is similar in complexity to other neuroanatomy texts. Information is presented in a way that allows the reader to follow along easily without getting lost in minutiae. Complex anatomical localizations are presented in a clear, concise fashion.
The “Cerebrum” chapter would be particularly useful to the neuroradiology audience, as it provides a description of the functional anatomy (Brodmann areas) that would be helpful in interpreting fMRI imaging. There are a few basic images of fMRI that show images of auditory and visual cortex localization, but not at the level of detail needed by radiologists. From a neurologist’s viewpoint, the “Higher Cortical Functions and their Impairment by Cortical Lesions” section of this chapter contains some of the clearest explanations of cortical dysfunction available.
The “Blood Supply and Vascular Disorders” chapter would also be helpful to neuroradiologists as it illustrates cerebrovascular anatomy well. It includes descriptions of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, as well as aneurysmal hemorrhages. Examples of MR venography and conventional angiography complete the chapter.
The “Cranial Nerves” chapter is a standout: it explains the cranial nerve anatomy in an easy to understand fashion. This is typically a difficult-to-present topic; the quality of the clinical cases and illustrations in this chapter make it more understandable.
This book would be most appropriate for junior neurology residents. It is an easy-to-read introduction to neuroanatomy, which is a subject that takes time to learn well. It will serve as a good reference for neuroradiologists who need easy access to basic neuroanatomy without having to wade through a larger text.
