Case Reports

A case report:

• Contributes new concepts to medical knowledge
• Presents novel understanding of a diagnosis, or management of a disease or procedure
• Presents unique, unusual or previously undocumented medical occurrences

What a case report is NOT: 

• Case reports are based upon a single patient, and NOT considered rigorous evidence
• A case report may lead to future research studies

• Previously unreported observations, unique procedures, complications or diagnoses
• Unexpected associations between disease, symptoms or treatments
• New knowledge regarding pathogens or adverse effects
• Unique features of a disease or therapeutic intervention
• Novel disease, interventions or procedures
• Medical challenges in diagnoses or treatments
• Therapeutic enhancements
• Diagnosis, intervention or medication failures or adverse effects

1.  Always obtain patient consent
2. Familiarize yourself with the CARE Guidelines
3. Perform a literature search for
4. Background information regarding the diagnosis
5. Previous clinical and research findings
6. Gather all relevant clinical information
7. Write the report according to the CARE guidelines
8. Review journal publication requirements