How to Write a Case Report Discussion

The discussion explains why the case matters. It puts the case in the context of existing literature, explains the clinical reasoning, acknowledges limitations and ends with a take-away message. It should not simply repeat the case.

A useful structure

1. Summary of the key lesson in one or two sentences.
2. Comparison with the literature: how does this case compare with similar reports (presentation, treatment, outcome)? Use a table if there are many.
3. Explanation: possible mechanisms or reasoning, labelled as hypotheses where not proven.
4. Strengths and limitations: for example, a single case, uncertain causality, no follow-up beyond a date.
5. Implications for practice: what clinicians should consider.
6. Take-away message.

Tips

• Distinguish what is established from what is speculative.
• Avoid claiming causation from a single case; use cautious language ("may suggest", "is consistent with").
• Compare with sources found in a documented search.
• Keep the discussion proportionate to the case: usually 3 to 6 paragraphs.

Illustrative example

Invented for teaching. "Our patient's presentation differs from the three published reports in the timing of onset (day 8 versus 3 to 5 weeks) and in the absence of organ involvement. These differences may reflect a different drug or an earlier diagnosis. As a single case, we cannot establish causation, but the findings suggest that clinicians should consider the diagnosis when fever and rash follow a new drug."

Using a comparison table

If several similar cases have been published, a table summarising age, presentation, treatment and outcome of each, with your case added, lets readers see how it fits. Cite each source and be careful to extract details correctly. A table also helps you check honestly whether your case is genuinely different, and it shortens the text of the discussion.

Common pitfalls

• Reviewing a whole textbook chapter.
• Strong causal claims.
• No limitations.

Key takeaways

• Compare, explain, qualify and conclude.
• Keep a clear, cautious take-away message.

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.