How to Write a Case Report Conclusion

A case report conclusion states the main lesson of the case in one to three sentences that follow from the evidence presented. It should be specific, modest and useful to clinicians.

What a good conclusion does

• States the take-away message.
• Matches the strength of evidence: a single case can suggest, alert or illustrate, but not prove.
• Suggests what clinicians should consider or do.
• May suggest what further reports or studies could add.

What to avoid

• Repeating the abstract.
• Claims of causation, efficacy or safety from one patient.
• New information not mentioned earlier.
• Generic statements such as "more research is needed" without any specifics.

Writing method

1. Write the lesson in one sentence in plain language.
2. Check that each word in it is supported by the case and discussion.
3. Add a short statement of limits if needed.

Illustrative example

Invented for teaching. Weak: "This case shows that drug rashes are important." Strong: "In patients with fever and rash starting one to two weeks after a new drug, delayed drug hypersensitivity should be considered early, before continuing antibiotics for presumed infection. This single case cannot establish how often this occurs."

Examples of endings by case type

For a diagnostic case: state the clue that should prompt earlier testing. For a management case: state the decision and the outcome, noting that it is a single experience. For an adverse event: state the association as possible and the action clinicians might consider, such as monitoring or reporting through a pharmacovigilance system. Always end by pointing to what readers should do differently or look for.

Common pitfalls

• Overstating the lesson.
• Leaving out the limit.

Key takeaways

• One clear, modest lesson that follows from the case.
• Do not claim more than a single case can show.

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.