Escourolle and Poirier’s Manual of Basic Neuropathology has a long-standing tradition of delivering complete yet concise descriptions of the principal nervous system diseases, focusing clinicopathological correlations and pathophysiology on essential principles. Targeted at professionals seeking their first detailed understanding of the pathology underlying neurologic disease, the manual assumes familiarity with neuroanatomy, histology, general pathology, and clinical neurology. Consequently, it has been popular as a brief introductory text for residents in pathology, neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry, as well as staff pathologists, neurologists, neuroscientists, and medical students with an interest in clinical neuroscience.
In response to advances in basic neuroscience, molecular biology, and genetics—fields that directly impact neuropathology—the seventh edition provides a critical update with the latest molecular definitions. The Manual emphasizes the pathologic characteristics of neurologic disease, featuring extensive macroscopic illustrations and whole-brain sections rather than radiologic imagery, which is covered elsewhere. Molecular biology and genetics have revolutionized laboratory diagnosis for many neurological disease groups; consequently, molecular and genetic data are incorporated whenever required for neuropathologic classification.
Key updates include:
Immunohistochemical in situ identification of abnormal protein distributions
Gene sequencing to identify specific mutations, enhancing understanding and classification of degenerative, neoplastic, and developmental diseases
Molecular and genetic data now foundational to diagnosing and classifying intracranial tumors, informing prognosis and personalized treatment for neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, and radiation oncologists
World Health Organization updates to brain tumor classification (2021)
Transformations in hereditary metabolic disorders, myopathies, and neuropathies due to genetic advances
New chapters on chronic traumatic encephalopathy, PART and LATE as late-onset cognitive changes, and emerging viral syndromes including COVID and Zika
A global perspective, with contributions from authors across four continents, reflecting broad expertise and experience
