How to Write a Case Report
Have you ever considered how to write a case report that would be published? Or you are a medical student sweating on your first one, wondering how to write a medical case report without sounding like a clueless kid?
The medical literature is based on case reports that provide information on abnormal, unusual, or memorable cases. As a medical student, clinician, or researcher, it is essential to learn how to write a case report to make a contribution to a particular field of medicine and achieve professional development.
This detailed guide provides everything you need to prepare a high-quality case report, including publishing advice and solutions.
Introduction: Why Case Reports Matter
Case reports are more than just stories. They effectively share clinical experiences that can change practice, inspire more research, and highlight unusual or exceptional cases. Understanding how to write a medical case report will help ensure that observations are conveyed in a way that benefits the broader medical community.
The question you may have is Why do I even need to learn how to write a case report? Here’s why they matter:
They aid in the early identification of new diseases or rare cases.
They represent how doctors handle complicated or strange cases.
They educate healthcare professionals, particularly medical students.
They can even lead to larger projects or policy changes.
Key Takeaways
Know how to write a case report from scratch.
Learn the format of a clinical case report.
Find out how to write a medical case report that is exceptional.
Get specific tips as a medical student and novice.
Find out how to write an abstract for a case report.
Understand the difference between case reports and case series.
What is a case report?
A case report is a form of storytelling, though not about fairy tales, but rather about real medical cases. We can gain important lessons and insights from these cases. The history of a patient includes their symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. It is your opportunity to demonstrate weird illnesses, unstable reactions, or even new therapies.
Think of it as your chance to impact medicine without needing a big clinical trial. Cool, right?
Case reports are especially valuable in medicine for:
Describing novel or unusual Diseases
Disclosing unforeseen associations or side effects
Examples of diagnostic or treatment dilemmas
Bringing learning experience to clinicians and students
Who Should Write a Case Report?
The short answer? Anyone in healthcare.
You may be a physician of great experience, a prospective resident, or a medical student who just needs to know how to write a case report. Writing a case report can help you enhance both your research and clinical thoughts.
For 100+ case studies, assignment tips, student hacks, and study inspiration, just click here…
The Structure of a Case Report
Alright, it's time to get to the most essential aspect: how to write a case report. It is vital to comprehend the study's working structure to answer the question, 'How do you write a case report?' Requirements of different journals can differ, but most are of the following structure:
Title
Abstract
Introduction
Case Presentation
Discussion
Conclusion
References
This guide walks you through each section you’ll need to include:
Title Page
Begin with a brief title. The format usually desired in most medical journals is simple; it is:
“A Case Report: [Condition/Phenomenon]”Mention your name and other co-authors (if there are) and workplace.
Abstract
A brief conclusion, which is usually 150-300 words, with the following format:
Background: So, what is big about this case?
Case Presentation: Abilities, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes given to the client.
Conclusion: Key takeaway or clinical implication.
Introduction
Short background and explanation of the case report.
Include sources of medical literature.
What is being covered in the medical literature gap?
Conclude by stating a sentence that names the patient and the primary concern.
You are trying to convince the reader why your case report is worth their time; remember it.
Case Presentation
Patient Information: Age, Gender, and any History of Relevance (De-identified).
Chief complaint or complaint for consultation.
Clinical Findings: Clinical findings, symptoms, and physical examination findings.
Diagnostic Assessment: Imaging tests and differential diagnoses.
Therapeutic Interventions: These encompass treatments, procedures, and medications.
Follow-up and Outcomes: Response, adverse events, outcome, and course of clinical events.
This is a step-by-step procedure that one must follow to learn how to write a patient case report.
Discussion
Time to analyse! This is where you explain the “why” behind the case and connect it to medical research.
Here’s a handy checklist:
What are the similarities or differences to any other cases reported in the medical literature?
What can the healthcare providers learn from this case?
Do any theories or hypotheses explain patient outcomes?
Any restriction/limitation to treatment?
Conclusion
Conclude with 2-3 strong sentences that highlight the clinical relevance and key takeaways for the reader.
Additional Sections (As Required)
Consent Statement: A statement confirming that the patient's consent was obtained should also be included.
Conflict of Interest: Declare the conflict or “no conflict declared”.
Funding Sources: Indicate whether the work received funding or not.
Patient Perspective: Sometimes journals invite the addition of the patient's reflections.
How to Write a Case Report: Step-by-Step
This is a pragmatic outline of the steps of how to make a case report from scratch:
1. Select a Suitable Case
Select either a unique, rare, or fresh-angle case on clinical practice. If you're struggling with ideas, check out these Top 100 Nursing Research Topics for 2025–26 to discover inspiring case subjects that can shape your report. Ensure that it meets the standards of publication novelty, education, or presents an original idea on how a disease works or is treated.
2. Review the Literature
A brief review of the medical literature should be conducted to confirm the novelty of the case and put it into context, thereby better understanding its significance. This will make your introduction and discussion more formidable.
3. Obtain Patient Consent
It is essential to obtain written informed consent from the patient (or their guardian) before writing, as most journals and ethics committees require.
4. Draft the Case Report
Take the usual structure mentioned above. Write briefly, factually, and to the point. Write in detail about the most pertinent clinical information.
5. Use Visuals and Tables
Add timelines, tables, and pictures to support them (with consent), which will help provide additional clarity and interaction.
6. Revise and Edit
Review coherence, grammar, and compliance with journal rules. Eliminate excessive information, be patient, and confidential.
7. Prepare for Submission
Organise your manuscript in the required way for the target journal. References, acknowledgements, and ethical statements should be cross-checked.
How to Write a Case Report Example
Title: “ A Case Report of A Rare Presentation of Acute Pancreatitis in a Young Female”
Abstract:
Background: Rare Presentation of Acute Pancreatitis in a Young Female.
Case Presentation: A female aged 22 years complained about the presence of severe stomach pain, with no history of alcohol or any gallstones.
Labs proved pancreatitis: A congenital pancreatic anomaly was shown by imaging. Having supportive care, she recovered.
Conclusion: The case highlights the importance of evaluating pancreatitis in young female patients to assess the presence of congenital anomalies.
The following example will show how to write a case report. This format is generally accepted amongst medical journals:
Section | Content |
Title | “Rare Presentation of X in a Y-Year-Old Patient: A Case Report” |
Abstract | Background, Case Presentation, Conclusion |
Keywords | 3–6, e.g., “case report,” “medical case study,” “rare disease” |
Introduction | Brief literature review, rationale for reporting |
Case Presentation | Demographics, history, examination, investigation, diagnosis, treatment protocol, and outcome of a patient |
Discussion | Literature comparison, clinical relevance, and implications |
Conclusion | Key lessons, recommendations |
References | Cited works |
Acknowledgements | Funding, consent, and conflicts of interest |
Tips for Medical Students: How to write a medical case study
In case you ask how to write a case report medical student, a list of tips can be offered:
Start Early: Learn how to start identifying interesting cases on clinical rotations.
Work with a Mentor: Seek help from experienced clinicians and ask them to mentor you, offering their guidance.
Follow the CARE Guidelines: Adopt a standardised framework to ensure comprehensive care.
Practice Writing: Write, review and ask students to review peers.
Focus on Learning: Emphasise what makes the case an educational experience to others. To expand your academic horizon, explore these Top Dissertation Topic Ideas to find overlaps between case reports and complete research projects.
How to Write a Case Report for Publication
Write a Case Report for Publication involves fine details and presentation according to the norms of a journal:
Select the Right Journal: Choose target journals based on scope, format, and submission guidelines. If you’re also thinking ahead about turning your case into a dissertation or research paper, explore these Top Dissertation Topics & Ideas to align your report with trending academic themes.
Follow Author Guidelines: Depending on the journal, there might be specific formatting and structural requirements.
Highlight Novelty: Make clear what is singular and topical in your case.
Ensure Ethical Compliance: Make mention of patient consent and ethics.
Prepare a Cover Letter: Abroad, the importance of your case and why it fits the journal.
How to write a patient case report?
Focus on the historical context, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of the patient, and make the explanation the centre of the case. Ensuring the administration of confidentiality and consent.
How to Write an Abstract for a Case Report
An effective abstract is an essential asset in terms of visibility and impact. Here’s how to write an abstract for a case report
Background: Define briefly the description of the clinical problem and its significance.
Case Summary: Provide the patient's demographics, symptoms, diagnosis, intervention, and outcomes.
Conclusion: What was the takeaway or clinical implication?
Word Limit:150 to 300 words, without any references and abbreviations.
How to write an abstract for a case report. Example is here :
Background: We report a case of spontaneous rupture of the spleen in a healthy adult, a rare occurrence.
Case: A 35-year-old male patient has come with an acute onset of abdominal pain. Scanning revealed traumatic splenic rupture. Splenectomy was successful in him.
Conclusion: Spontaneous splenic rupture must be in the list of probabilities when a patient has acute abdominal pain despite the absence of trauma.
How to Write a Case Series
A case series refers to a group of patients with the same or similar presentation or outcome. It is similar to writing a single case report, except that the following aspects are different:
Title: Put the term case series in the title.
Abstract: Overview and conclusion of all findings and meaning.
Introduction: Why are these cases then categorised in this group?
Case Descriptions: Provide case descriptions one by one, similarities, and differences.
Discussion: Discuss trends and insights, and practice consequences.
Conclusion: Summarise the key learning points.
Final Checklist Before Submission
Is the case unique, unusual or pedagogical?
Did you read about the literature and refer to it?
Has the patient's identity been secured and consent obtained?
Was your report in the format fashioned by the journal?
Is the abstract legible, factual and not too long?
Does the paper have all sections in place, and are these well written?
Have you provided references, acknowledgements and a statement of ethics?
Did you spellcheck grammar, clarity and coherence?
Wrap-Up: Your Roadmap to Case Report Success
At this point, you have already become an expert on how to write a case report. Whether you want to publish in a medical journal or merely complete academic homework, this guide has it all, covering both the basic format and numerous tricky aspects, such as how to write a clinical case report or how to write a case report for publication.
Your initial case report may not be the best, and that's fine. The main thing is to get an idea of how to do it and become better as you practice.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Write a Case Report
1. How do you write a case report?
Identify a unique or educational patient case, obtain permission, and structure your report with a title, abstract, introduction, case presentation, discussion, and conclusion. Keep the writing concise, clear, and relevant.
2. How to write a medical case report?
Provide a brief description of the background, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of the patient. Use accurate medical terminology, cite relevant literature, and emphasise the clinical significance of the case. This list of Top 100 Nursing Research Topics for 2025–26 will give you a head start in picking a relevant and compelling case topic.
3. How to write a case report for publication?
Follow the journal's guidelines, highlight the novelty of the case, and include all necessary sections, such as an abstract and references. Before submitting, proofread your work and ensure patient confidentiality.
4. How to write an abstract for a case report?
Produce a 150-300 word summary covering the background, main clinical features, diagnosis, interventions, and outcomes. Emphasise the importance of the case and its key lessons.
5. How to write a case report example?
A good case report example features an informative yet descriptive title, a concise abstract, an introduction setting the context, a detailed case presentation, a discussion comparing it with existing literature, and a brief, reflective conclusion.
