Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease of the filum terminale.

INTRODUCTION: Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease (CPPDD) is a rare benign inflammatory joint disorder characterized by the presence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal in the interarticular and periarticular tissue. It has been rarely described with spinal localization. METHODS: A 50-year-old woman, affected by CPPDD, presented a progressive weakness of both lower limbs associated with neurogenic claudication. Neuroradiological examinations revealed the presence of two intradural calcified lesions at level L3-L4, with no post-contrast enhancement. RESULTS: Surgery was performed and the histopathological exams documented the presence of rod-shaped crystals embedded in a fibrocartilaginous stroma. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient experienced complete symptoms relief with a 5-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Intradural CPPD localization at the filum terminale is an extremely rare occurrence. Total removal should be preferably attempted with a long-term focal control of the disease as we observed in our case.

[Control of infection in the odontostomatologic field. Possibility of decontamination of critical surfaces]. / Il controllo delle infezioni in campo odontostomatologico. Possibilità di decontaminazione di superfici critiche.

After a brief description of the sources and procedures of transmission of infections in the odontostomatological field, the Authors illustrate the degree of contamination of a range of surfaces presented by odontological instruments. This is followed by a description of the possibility of a disinfecting treatment using two products one based on iodoform and the other on quaternary ammonium. Prior to this disinfection treatment, the surfaces examined presented a level of microbial contamination (according to the Griffiths scale) for the most part defined as "acceptable with certain reservations" or as "unacceptable", with the almost constant finding of Staphylococci (S. Haemolyticus, aureus, hominis and cohnii) and very frequently of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, as well as various types of Pseudomonas (Ps. cepacea, maltophilia, and aeruginosa). The disinfection treatment carried out on these same surfaces had a positive effect, leading to a reduction in microbial findings of at least 98% both using energetic disinfectants based on iodoform products, and also milder disinfectants based on quaternary ammonium. Accordingly since both substances used almost constantly reduced the microbial presence despite the different disinfecting action involved, the Authors conclude that not only the use of specific substances but even the mere action of mechanical cleaning may play a fundamental role in the decontamination of surfaces.