Reviewer: George M Rodgers, MD, PhD (University of Utah School of Medicine)
Description: This is a detailed review of the nomenclature, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of vascular lesions, tumors, and malformations. It is divided into multiple chapters covering discrete vascular entities, their origin, diagnosis, and treatment/complications.
Purpose: The purpose of this textbook is to provide a reference of current knowledge and potential treatment avenues for vascular anomalies. The authors also cite their collection as a collaboration between hematologists, oncologists, pathologists, surgeons, radiologists, and basic science researchers who share a passion for these unique anatomical structures. Indeed, such a resource is very helpful; the broad diversity of clinical presentations, molecular pathways, and therapeutic management benefits significantly from an accessible but thorough review. The book meets this need and the authors' stated objectives. Ongoing advances in laboratory research and clear clinical recommendations are described for each disorder.
Audience: The book is directed primarily to those involved in the diagnosis, research, and management of vascular anomalies. While referenced specifically for hematologists and oncologists, other medical providers like surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists will find the content useful. It could also be potentially used as reference material for hospital trainees or laboratory researchers. Indeed, the contributors and authors themselves are recognized physicians, researchers, and experts in the field of vascular malformations and tumors. Their collective knowledge, publication history, and ongoing studies reinforce the strength of the textbook content.
Features: While this book features a fairly specific topic in medicine, a broad array of features is covered. Approaches to diagnosis and nomenclature, descriptions of molecular and genetic pathways (particularly PI3K/AKT), and treatment considerations (like surgery/cauterization, mTOR inhibition, etc.) are all covered. Also, sporadic and heritable anomalies in both the pediatric and adult populations are discussed. In addition to the expertise and thorough review of each topic, the book has several other attractive features. The writing and structure of each section is well prepared and easy to follow, and many useful images of pertinent clinical findings, signaling pathways, radiographic results, and histologic sections help to reinforce each topic. Perhaps the only minor improvement would be an increase in these high-quality images in some sections. Due to the thoroughness of the text, some portions (like genetic pathway reviews) would benefit from more visual reinforcement.
Assessment: This is an excellent review of a complicated and growing medical field. The authors are recognized experts within the specialty, and provide thorough but concise coverage of each section. It is a worthwhile addition to any medical professional working with these unique clinical syndromes.
