Rapid chairside sterilization of endodontic files using 6% sodium hypochlorite.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to assess the percentage of new endodontic files (taken directly from the manufacturers' packages) that were contaminated with viable microorganisms and to determine the amount of time new files needed to be immersed in 6% sodium hypochlorite to achieve sterility.

Methods: Endodontic files from four manufacturers were placed either immediately in thioglycolate broth or immersed in 6% sodium hypochlorite for 1, 2, or 5 minutes before placement in the broth. The files were aerobically incubated for 72 hours and sterility determined by the absence of broth turbidity, as determined by a blinded examiner.

Neurological complications of Grönblad-Strandberg syndrome.

Neurological complications resulting from pronounced cerebrovascular changes were observed in a 59-year-old female suffering from Grönblad-Strandberg syndrome. In addition to typical skin changes of the pseudoxanthoma elasticum and ocular alterations (exudative macular degeneration and angioid streaks) there were an unusual number of disturbed endocrinological functions. The ophthalmological findings revealed characteristic breaks in Bruch's membrane, proliferation of chorioidal vessels into the subretinal space, hyperplasia of retinal pigment epithelium and disciform macular degeneration.