Practical guide to understanding the value of case reports

Case reports have been vital to the advancement of medicine, providing a mechanism for scholarly education and for sharing new discovery and rare observations. However, journals are increasingly reluctant to publish this type of manuscript. Additionally, case reports and limited case series are infrequently cited, potentially interfering with the impact factor of a journal. The increasing emphasis on evidence-based medicine may have artificially decreased the value of case reports. This article describes the value of case reports to medicine, citing 3 examples that have significantly improved the practice of medicine. We also provide criteria for effective reporting, which include the elements of both surprise and closure. In summary, we offer support for the contention that case reports are fundamental to the scholarly practice of medicine and enhance the intent of a quality medical journal.