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Mycobacterium haemophilum is a rare pathogen, predominately present in the immunocompromised population. It is especially studied in HIV and haematological malignancy patients. Given its unique living conditions, it is often difficult to establish its diagnosis, but it is often suspected by its classic association with ulcerating skin findings. Our case is unique in that our patient is immunocompromised by his rheumatoid arthritis treatment, and presented without any skin lesions, but was found to have this rare pathogen causing a constellation of unusual symptoms.

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Hypergammaglobulinemic purpura (HGP) is a syndrome constellating recurrent purpura, hypergammaglobulinemia, positive rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-Ro/La antibodies, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). We present a case of a 29-year-old female who was diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome four years prior to presenting with rash on her lower extremities for a period of 6 months. Skin biopsy at the initial visit was consistent with leukocytoclastic vasculitis and was initiated on treatment for it. Her rash evolved into 2–5 mm scattered purpurae while she was on the treatment and a repeat biopsy showed extravasation of RBCs, a sparse mononuclear infiltrate with deposition of plasma cells, and no evidence of leukocytoclastic vasculitis, thus showing a transition from neutrophilic to mononuclear inflammatory vascular disease which is a rare occurrence. Hypergammaglobulinemic purpura sometimes turns out to be a challenging disease to manage and requires an integrated effort from the primary care doctors, rheumatologist, and dermatologist.

Background Studies have elucidated the lack of competency in musculoskeletal (MSK) examination skills amongst trainees. Various modalities have been studied, however, there remains a dearth of literature regarding the effectiveness of bedside teaching versus dedicated workshops. Our aim was to determine if incorporating a workshop into a rheumatology rotation would be effective in increasing medicine residents’ competency and comfort with knee examinations when compared to the rotation alone. Methods Over 16 months, rotators were randomized to workshop plus rotation versus rotation alone. Participants were tested on their knee examination skills using an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Surveys were administered assessing to what degree the rotation was beneficial. Comfort and helpfulness were measured using a 5-point Likert scale. Paired and independent samples t-tests were used for comparisons. Results Fifty-seven residents participated. For both groups, there were improvements between pre- and post-OSCE scores (workshop p < 0.001, no workshop p = 0.003), and levels of comfort with examination (workshop p < 0.001, no workshop p < 0.001). When comparing groups, there were differences favoring the workshop in post-OSCE score (p = < 0.001), mean change in OSCE score (p < 0.001) and mean change in comfort with knee examination (p = 0.025). Conclusion An elective in rheumatology augmented residents’ MSK competency and comfort. Incorporation of a workshop further increased knowledge, skills and comfort with diagnosis and treatment. Current educational research focuses on alternatives to traditional methods. This study provides evidence that a multi-modal approach, combining traditional bedside and interactive models, is of benefit.