Transcript 48x36 Poster Template - Grand Rapids Michigan State

Title
Authors
Associated institutions
Introduction
The introduction should be brief tell why the case is important and why it is being reported (for
example, because it adds to the understanding of a clinical problem). For the sake of brevity,
cite a few recent review articles rather than many individual studies. Case reports usually
respond to one of the following generic topics, but use specific information from the case being
presented.
Intervention
Describe all therapeutic interventions conducted during the course of treatment. Provide the
results of only relevant examinations and laboratory tests, usually those with positive
results.
List the laboratory's ranges of normal values for any unusual tests performed.
1)An unexpected association between diseases or symptoms. (For example, AIDS came to be
recognized, in part, because Kaposi's sarcoma and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia were
reported in homosexual men in 1981.)
2)An unexpected event in the course of observing or treating a patient. (The transdermal
absorption of nitroglycerin and its dilating effect on blood vessels came to be understood
after a physician reported headache in a patient who handled TNT powder in his daily work.)
Response to Treatment
Describe the outcome of treatment including final diagnosis.
3) Findings that shed new light on the possible pathogenesis of a disease or an adverse
effect.
4) Unique or rare features of a disease.
5) Unique therapeutic approaches.
Significance/Uniqueness of Case
Use the literature to establish any previous work related to your research question. Make
clear to your reader whether this is the first ever reported, or how many have been reported
previously. The essential characteristic of a publishable case report is educational value. After
all, nobody is going to change the way they practice medicine based upon one case report.
In addition, it is not true that a report must tell of a unique finding. Some case reports are
published because they support the findings of previously published cases or because they are
useful reminders of an important point in diagnosis or treatment.
Patient Description
Describe the patient including gender, age, height weight, BMI, social history (including
tobacco and alcohol use), use of illegal substances, medication being used, notable results of
physical examination and laboratory tests, and differential diagnosis or diagnoses considered,
just to name a few. When in doubt, think about the patient information you would like to know
as background information and provide it in this section. Don’t go overboard; we don’t need to
know how many toilets are in the patient’s primary residence. Give all of the basics, and add
the specifics important to the case.
Remember: When writing up your case report, refrain from using any identifying data, such as
date of birth, date of service, patient name/initials or medical record number. Do not use case
when referring to a person - a case is an instance of disease, a patient is a person.
Don’t Be Constrained by These Headings
Every case is different, so don’t feel like you have to mash your round pegs to fit into the
template’s square holes. Add sections and headings as are dictated by your case.
Charts/Graphs/Pictures
For most of your audience, this section will hold the most interest, and will also be the biggest
attention-grabber for the casual passer-by. They may not care for your title of “A Rare Case of
Okra Toxicity in Bexar County” but the full color 3D CT of a tortured liver will suck them right in.
Remember: Any pictures which contain patient identifiers (i.e., facial shots, unusual tattoos) will
require a signed release form from the patient. Check with the GRMERC Research
Department for more information.
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Discussion
The purpose of the discussion is to explain anything that isn't clear in the case description
and to offer interpretations of findings. It’s also the spot to indicate why the intervention
used for your case was different from similar cases reported previously. Make clear any
important point that isn't explained in the case descriptions. For example, if you reported
that liver enzymes were elevated but no significant liver dysfunction was found, tell the
reader in the discussion section why the enzymes were elevated. Also discuss
implications for the field.
Conclusions
The big finish, where you get to blow your audience away with your final, pithy
comment. This should be brief, three sentences tops. If you’re at a loss for
words, you can either do a combined Discussion/Conclusions section, or just do a
conclusions section that reiterates the importance of your case.
References
While it is a nice thing to include references, if you’re crunched for space,
these are the first things to go. If the choice is between including a really good
looking graph or the references, ditch the references and show the graph.