C. L. Berry – författare

In 1967 cardiologists in Switzerland were struck by the sudden increase in the number of cases of so-called primary pulmonary hypertensive disease (PPHD). Up untill966, the cardiology centers in Switzerland had not seen more than one or two cases a year, but this number suddenly multiplied by ten or twenty times. At the June 1968 meeting ofthe Swiss Society of Cardiology, Gurtner et al. (1968b) presented a paper which raised the question whether the vascular types of cor pulmonale had increased. They also raised the question about the possible responsibility of environmental factors, such as toxins or drugs, in causing this increase. Krrihenbuhl et al. (1968) first suggested the possible responsibility of anorexigenic drugs, but no proof was provided. Soon after this, the cardiology team in Bem (Gurtner et al., 1968a) published their report, which resumed and completed the above-mentioned prelim- inary communication; 31 cases of PPHD, among which 17 had taken an anorexigenic drug, aminorex fumarate (Menocil, Cilag), were reported.The importance of this work was soon recognized and it was followed by several meetings (in Vienna, Hannover, and Burgenstock) and two round tables sponsored by the Swiss Society of Cardiology (in Montreux and Basel).

The enormous importance of the diseases of the locomotor system in all populations and the large component of general clinical practice which they represent have not, in the past, been matched by an appropriate pathological effort. Increasing expectation of an active and long life has resulted in a great increase in specialisation in Rheumatology and rehabilitation of those with crippling diseases. This volume presents many of the pathological advances that have followed this clini­ cal interest, beginning with reviews of changes in biological materials obtained by in­ vasive investigation of joints, continuing with an account of therapy Goint replace­ ment) and also describing a "new" hazard - hyperbaric injury. Experimental models of joint disease are also described as are other entities such as crystal deposition dis­ ease. A detailed consideration of the electron microscopy of bone tumours is included since this data is not widely available in current texts. Finally, the role of the HLA system in rheumatic disease is included, indicating the value of close co-operation between clinician and pathologist in defining and link­ ing the various rheumatic syndromes. London Contents Examination of Synovial Fluid. With 9 Figures P.A. Revell ........................................... . The Synovial Biopsy. With 20 Figures F. Eulderink. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 25 Tissue Reactions to Joint Prostheses and the Products of Wear and Corrosion. With 20 Figures P.A. Revell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 73 Bone and Joint Diseases in Workers Exposed to Hyperbaric Conditions.