Everything You Need to Know About Writing and Publishing a Case Report

Writing and publishing a case report is a great way for healthcare professionals to share unique, rare, or interesting clinical cases that can add value to the medical community. However, creating a successful case report requires a structured approach and adherence to guidelines. This blog post will walk you through the essential steps in writing a case report, including proper formatting, adherence to guidelines, and tips for successful publication.

What is a Case Report?

A case report is a detailed account of a patient’s medical history, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome, usually involving a rare or novel condition. It highlights an unusual clinical presentation, a challenging diagnostic process, or a unique therapeutic approach, providing valuable learning points for healthcare practitioners.

Why Write a Case Report?

• Educational Value: Case reports highlight rare diseases or unique conditions, contributing to medical education.
• Novel Insights: They introduce new treatment strategies or diagnostic methods.
• Sharing Experiences: Case reports allow physicians to share practical experiences and knowledge with peers.

Key Elements of a Case Report

A well-structured case report includes the following elements:

Section	Description	Guidelines/Best Practices
Title	A concise, informative title that summarizes the essence of the case.	- Should capture the attention of the readers. - Mention the condition, treatment, or diagnosis being highlighted.
Abstract	A brief summary of the case report, including background, case presentation, and conclusion.	- Keep it to 150-250 words. - Use keywords to enhance discoverability. - Focus on the most important findings.
Introduction	Provide background information on the condition or scenario being presented.	- Include current knowledge on the topic. - State why this case is unique. - Cite the SCARE guidelines.
Case Presentation	Detailed account of the patient's medical history, symptoms, diagnostic work-up, treatment, and outcomes.	- Maintain a chronological flow. - Include relevant investigations, imaging, and lab results.
Discussion	Interpret the case and compare it with similar cases in the literature.	- Discuss the significance and potential implications. - Highlight clinical lessons and recommendations.
Conclusion	Summarize the key takeaways and clinical relevance of the case.	- Keep it concise, around 100-200 words. - Focus on the clinical impact.
References	A list of citations from peer-reviewed journals that back up your report and provide context.	- Follow the specific journal’s referencing style (e.g., APA, AMA, Vancouver).
Figures/Images	Include relevant images (X-rays, CT scans, lab results) to support the findings.	- Ensure patient consent and proper anonymization. - Use high-quality, labeled images.
Consent	Obtain and mention patient consent for publication.	- Always obtain written informed consent. - Mention that consent was obtained in the report.
Ethics	Ensure the case follows ethical principles, including patient anonymity and confidentiality.	- Review ethics policies of the target journal. - Follow institutional ethical guidelines.
SCARE/PROCESS Guidelines	Case reports should adhere to SCARE guidelines (for surgical cases) or PROCESS (for other clinical reports).	- Submit a completed SCARE checklist. - Cite the SCARE guidelines in the Introduction (Agha RA et al., 2020).

Case Report Guidelines

1. Follow the SCARE Guidelines
   If you are reporting a surgical case, your report must follow the SCARE (Surgical Case REport) guidelines to ensure comprehensive reporting. The SCARE 2020 Guidelines outline key elements to include, such as patient demographics, diagnosis, surgical intervention, outcome, and follow-up.

   • You can access the full guidelines and checklist here.
   • You must also cite the following paper in the first paragraph of your introduction:
     Agha RA, Franchi T, Sohrabi C, Mathew G, for the SCARE Group. The SCARE 2020 Guideline: Updating Consensus Surgical Case REport (SCARE) Guidelines, International Journal of Surgery 2020;84:226-230.

2. Follow the CARE Guidelines for Medical Case Reports

Steps to Writing a Case Report

Step	Description
1. Select a Unique Case	Choose a rare or unusual case that provides educational value or contributes to clinical knowledge.
2. Review the Literature	Conduct a thorough review of existing literature on the case topic to highlight what makes your case unique.
3. Obtain Consent	Secure informed consent from the patient or their legal guardian for publication and ensure confidentiality.
4. Write a Structured Draft	Use the standard format outlined above (Title, Abstract, Introduction, Case Presentation, Discussion, Conclusion).
5. Follow Guidelines	Ensure your report adheres to the SCARE or PROCESS guidelines, including ethics, formatting, and consent requirements.
6. Include Figures and References	Add supporting images and references from credible sources.
7. Proofread	Review the draft for clarity, grammar, and compliance with journal guidelines.
8. Submit to a Journal	Choose a target journal that publishes case reports and follows ethical and publication standards.

Choosing the Right Journal

When selecting a journal, ensure it accepts case reports and has a clear peer-review process. Some journals specialize in case reports, while others have sections dedicated to them. Consider the journal's impact factor, audience, and scope before submission.

Common Journals for Case Reports

Journal	Description
International Journal of Surgery	Publishes surgical case reports and follows the SCARE guidelines.
BMJ Case Reports	A leading journal that focuses on case reports from various medical specialties.
Journal of Medical Case Reports	Covers all aspects of case reports in the medical field and has a wide international readership.
Case Reports in Medicine	Publishes case reports across all areas of clinical medicine.

Tips for Successful Publication

• Focus on Novelty: Your case should offer something new—whether it's a rare condition, an unusual treatment, or a diagnostic challenge.
• Be Clear and Concise: Stick to the facts and avoid unnecessary details. The report should be easy to read and follow.
• Get Feedback: Before submitting, ask a colleague or mentor to review your case report for feedback and suggestions.
• Choose Images Wisely: Select only the most relevant and high-quality images, and ensure patient confidentiality is maintained.

Conclusion

Writing a case report can be a rewarding way to contribute to the medical field by sharing unique insights and experiences. By following proper guidelines such as the SCARE or CARE guidelines, maintaining a structured format, and selecting an appropriate journal, you can successfully publish a case report that will help inform and educate other healthcare professionals.

By adhering to these steps and guidelines, you’ll ensure that your case report is clear, valuable, and ready for publication in a reputable medical journal.