Case Reports

How to write a good quality one?

Abstract

A case report is a type of observational study that presents in detail medical problems of a single patient with unique characteristics. They organize and retell what happened in the clinical history, evolution of the disease, medical care instituted, and the results obtained. They are the only means to describe rare clinical events. Although they are the lowest level of evidence, they are considered as the first line of evidence. Within the case reports, two types are identified; some related to the diagnosis, in which a new clinical condition or unusual presentation of a known disease is addressed, and another type, those related to treatment where a new, original or better therapeutic approach is evidenced and the appearance of new or unusual adverse effects. In addition, these reports can illustrate a new principle, support or refute a current theory and thus stimulate research.

In this article, tools for this purpose are provided. Information regarding ethical aspects, a list of journals specialized in the publication of case reports and how the publication of case reports has evolved over time is included. This information is necessary to provide staff in training or with little experience in the subject which are the conditions that deserve writing a case report and in case of requiring it, how should it be written in an appropriate manner.