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The first edition of the Atlas of Clinical Hematology was published over 40 years ago. The first four editions were coauthored by Herbert Begemann, who died unexpectedly in April of 1994. We wish to dedicate the fifth edition as a memorial to this dedicated physician and hematologist. Since the fourth edition was published in 1987, hematology has undergone profound changes. New methods such as cytochemistry and immunophenotyping have been joined by cytogenetics and, more recently, molecular genetic techniques, which have assumed a major role in routine diagnostic procedures. This has been due in part to significant advances in methodology and new tools in molecular biology. When used in standardized protocols, these tools can furnish swift results that are relevant to patient care. Since the advent of cytogenetics and molecular genetics, we have formulated new definitions for clinical and biological entities. An example is promyelocytic leukemia with its two variants (M3 and M3v), the (15;17) translocation, and the PML/RARA fusion gene, which has been successfully treated for the first time with differentiation therapy. Another example is acute myelomonocytic leukemia with abnormal eosinophiles (M4Eo), inversion 16, and the MYH/11/
CBFB fusion gene, which has a very good prognosis. The transmission of morphologic findings by electronic data transfer is also gaining importance in hematology, as it permits the immediate review of difficult findings by specialists. Several colleagues seated at their own desks and microscopes can communicate with one another instantaneously by computer monitor. These advances do not alter the fact that hematologists must still have a sound grasp of morphologic principles. Diagnostic problems often arise when modern counting devices and cell sorters, with their impressive capabilities, are used without regard for cellular morphology. There is no question that classical morphology has gained much from its competition and comparison with the new techniques, leading to significant diagnostic and prognostic advances. While retaining the basic concept of the previous editions, we found it necessary to eliminate several chapters. Now that many hematologic centers and laboratories are equipped with fluorescence-activated cell sorters (FACS) for immunotyping, and given the availability of reliable commercial kits and precise staining instructions for immunocytochemistry, the chapter by B. R. Kranz has been omitted from the present edition. We have also
dropped the methodology section and most of the electron micrographs supplied by Prof. D. Huhn. Both colleagues merit our sincere thanks. Ever since the first edition, Prof. W. Mohr of Hamburg has authored the chapter on blood parasites as the principal causative agents of tropical diseases, and we gratefully acknowledge his contribution. Following the death of Prof. Mohr, we have chosen to include this chapter owing to the special importance of tropical diseases in the modern world. We are grateful to Prof. R.
Disko of Munich, who agreed to revise and update the chapter.
