How to Write a Case Report Abstract

A case report abstract summarises the background, the key features of the case and the take-home lesson in a short, self-contained paragraph or a short structured format. Many readers only read the abstract, so it must state the point clearly.

A common structure

• Introduction/Background: one or two sentences on why this condition or situation matters.
• Case presentation: age and sex (de-identified), presenting problem, key findings, diagnosis, treatment and outcome.
• Conclusion: the lesson for clinicians.

Check whether the journal wants a structured abstract, its word limit (often 150–250 words), and how many keywords to provide.

Writing tips

1. Write the abstract last.
2. Keep to facts that appear in the full report.
3. Avoid abbreviations and unexplained acronyms.
4. State what the case teaches, not just what happened.
5. Do not add information that is not in the paper.

Illustrative example

Invented for teaching. Weak: "We describe an interesting case of a rash." Better: "Background: Delayed drug reactions can mimic infection. Case presentation: A 62-year-old man developed fever and a rash eight days after starting a new antibiotic; infection tests were negative, and symptoms resolved after stopping the drug and giving corticosteroids. Conclusion: Consider delayed drug hypersensitivity when fever and rash follow a new drug." (Invented case.)

Checking the abstract against the paper

After finishing the abstract, tick each statement against the full text: every number, date and drug name should match. Ask a colleague who has not seen the case to read only the abstract and tell you the lesson; if they cannot, rewrite it. Make sure the keywords appear in the abstract and use terms from a controlled vocabulary such as MeSH where possible, which helps readers find the report.

Common pitfalls

• A vague title and abstract with no lesson.
• Including identifiers.
• Overclaiming causality.

Key takeaways

• State the case and the lesson clearly.
• Keep within the word limit and match the full text.

This page is general educational information about research methods. It is not medical, legal or regulatory advice; follow your institution's ethics board and your target journal's instructions.