We frequently encounter single of few cases of a rare entity. There may be a few variations in the presentation, imaging finding or management protocol. What should be the criteria for considering a case for writing it as a case report? What is the significance of case reports in the present scenario.
There is an abundance of case reports in the literature today, an overwhelming number of them. This lead to the fewer number of journals accepting case reports nowadays compared to the past. Nevertheless, some journals still accept them. So it is more difficult to find a case suitable for a case report these days.
Cases that merit a case reports are cases where there is a message that you want to present. Something you want your readers to go home with. I don't think that rarity of a condition is enough for publication.
But don't be disappointed, because newer types of submissions can accommodate the cases that don't merit a case report, but they are still teaching and educational. Many journals have different submission names for them (Challenge, Clinical Dilemma, Case of the Week, .. etc). Alternatively, you can also try to publish your case as an image in clinical medicine or a video.
Best of luck.
You may have more success with a case series-for eg application of a new technology or new treatment in a handful of patients. Plus it may be useful via netwroking and collaboration to pool data and experience on a group of patients with the same rare, unusual condition and then publish
I agree with Fares. You may consider to publish a case report when there is a clear message to present, or when it provides a novel piece of information about pathophysiology, diagnosis or therapy. Even today, when authoritative medical literature consists mainly in complex clinical trials or meta-analysis, the case report has an undoubtful potential as an educational tool or as a reminder of uncommon conditions. I still enjoy reading (and writing) case reports
For rarity, common diseases coming with uncommon symptoms, diagnosing a difficult case, fitting the case into a syndrome, how to suspect it, all these will matter.Sharing the matter in journals will guide the younger generation, it will inculcate habit of presentation and publication.Publication is a publication in once career.
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