Clinical Case Report
A case report consists of the following sections-
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Abstract
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Introduction
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A case
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Discussion
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Conclusion
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References
Discussion: It is the most critical part of the case report.
It summarises and interprets the key findings of case report, contrast them with existing literature and highlights the uniqueness of the case. It derives newer insights, explores applicability of new findings to clinical practice while drawing clinically relevant conclusions.
This section beigns with expanding the points mentioned in the introduction, emphasizing on why the case is important and the key problem being addressed.
A detailed description of the literature follows this, discussing existing theories and research findings related to the patient’s condition followed by a brief summary of the case.
The case report is then connected to the existing literature, additionally highlighting the message it conveys.
Introduction: This section gives a brief overview of the problem at hand while citing relevant literature. It concludes with mainly providing a background about the patient’s condition, not more than 1-2 sentences.
References: List all the references that have been cited in the case report. These are numbered in the order of appearance in the text and are listed numerically. Use a standard referencing style for all the references.
Learn More about Citations and Referencing Here:
Abstract: This section consists of concise summary of the case, outlining the key problem it addresses and the core message it conveys.Typically, abstract is short, limited to 100- 150 words approximately.
Case: This section provides detailed account of the case, following the structure below-
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Patient Description
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Case history
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Physical examination findings
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Investigations
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Treatment plan
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Expected outcome of the treatment plan
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Actual outcome
Conclusion: This section briefly summarizes the key point discussed in the case report. Suggestions and recommendations can be also be mentioned whenever relevant.
Keywords: Mention 3-5 keywords that will identify the important topics in the case report. The keywords are mentioned after the abstract section.
Note: Care should be taken to include only the relevant details while excluding unnecessary information.