Preparing Main Manuscript Text - Case Report

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    Preparing main manuscript text

    Case Reports

    Case reports describe unique, rare, or educational clinical cases that provide novel insights into diagnosis, management, pathophysiology, or clinical practice. Submissions must offer clear learning value and contribute meaningfully to existing literature.

    1. General Requirements

    • Maximum 5 authors
    • Word limit: ≤2000 words (excluding abstract and references)
    • Maximum 4 tables and/or figures (combined)
    • Maximum 20 references
    • Specialty must be indicated in the cover letter
    • Conflict of interest must be declared during submission

    2. Manuscript Structure

     

    2.1 Abstract (Unstructured, ≤150 words)

    The abstract should:

    • Provide a concise summary of the case
    • Highlight the key clinical message or learning point
    • Avoid references and unnecessary abbreviations.

    2.2 Keywords

    • Keywords 3-5 words
    • Preferably MeSH terms where applicable

    3. Main Text

    3.1 Introduction

    • Brief bacground of the condition
    • Clinical relevance of the case
    • Clear statement of why the case is noteworthy

    3.2 Case Presentation

    • Patient demgraphics (without identifiable information)
    • Relevant history and examination findings
    • Diagnostic investigations
    • Management and intervention
    • Outcome and follow-up
    • Timeline (if helpful)

    3.2 Discussion

    • Interpretation of the case
    • Comparison with existing literature
    • Clinical implications
    • Strength and limitations
    • Key learning points

    4. Declarations (Mandatory)

    Consent for Publication

    • Written informed consent must be obtained from the patient
    • A statement confirming consent must be included in the manuscript
    • If the patient is deceased, consent must be obtained from next of kin
    • If consent cannot be obtained despite exhaustive attempts, a formal statement from the head of department/medical director/legal team confirming anonymisation and ethical responsibility must be provided.

    Patient privacy must never be compromised.

    5. Others

    5.1 Conflict of Interest

    Authors must declare conflict or state: "The authors declare no conflict of interest."

    5.2 Funding Statement

    If applicable, state funding source. If none: "This study received no specific grant from any funding agency."

    5.3 Acknowledgement

    • Individuals who contributed to patient care but do note meet authorship criteria should be acknowledged.
    • Authors must also acknowledge the institution, hospital, or clinic that granted permission or facilitated access to the case, where applicable.

    5.4 Author Contributions

    All authors (maximum 5) must meet ALL of the following:

    • Substantial contribution to conception/design, data acquisition, or data analysis/interpretation.
    • Drafting or critical revision of the manuscript
    • Final approval of the version to be published

    Authors who contributed only to patient management do not qualify for authorship

    6. Tables and Figures

    • Maximum total of 4 (combined)
    • High-resolution images (≥300 dpi)
    • Remove identifying features unless essential and consented
    • Provide clear legends

    7. References

    • Maximum 20 references
    • Use journal's prescribed citation style
    • Include DOI where applicable
    • Ensure references are current and relevant

    8. Ethical and Reporting Standards

    Authors are encouraged to follow the CARE reporting guidelines for case reports. A comleted CARE checklist may be requested during submission.