Gastric bypass leads to significant excess weight loss and surprisingly increased BNP concentrations. Correlation of BNP increase with weight loss suggests an additional novel mechanism for surgically induced weight loss.

Mycobacterium celatum is a recently described species which, on the basis of conventional tests, may be misidentified as Mycobacterium xenopi or as belonging to the Mycobacterium avium complex. Only genomic sequencing or high-performance liquid chromatography of cell wall mycolic acids can presently allow a correct identification of this mycobacterium. Two cases of infection due to M. celatum, in AIDS patients, are described here. The quantitative susceptibility pattern of the isolates to a wide spectrum of drugs is also reported.

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We describe a case of intrathecal migration of a wire-reinforced epidural catheter in a parturient who received epidural labor analgesia. Epidural analgesia was initiated with a combined-spinal epidural technique and maintained by programmed intermittent epidural boluses. Epidural catheter aspiration after insertion was negative for cerebrospinal fluid. The patient's response to the first four doses of local anesthetic was consistent with epidural drug delivery. After the fifth dose, she developed a complete lower extremity motor block, hypotension, and high sensory blockade. Catheter aspiration was then positive for cerebrospinal fluid. After symptom resolution, labor pain was successfully managed with this inadvertent intrathecal catheter.