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Some in scientific and academic circles downplay the importance of case reports, but clinical practitioners understand their value. Editors of medical science journals acknowledge the popularity of case reports, but most dedicate little space to them, citing a deleterious effect on the journal's metrics, most notably the Impact Factor.
Neurology® Clinical Practice (NCP) strives to provide our readers with succinct point-of-care content they can use on a daily basis to improve patient outcomes. In this context we value peer-reviewed case reports because bedside practice of neurology depends heavily on careful observation, history-taking, and diagnostic acumen of the clinician. In recognition of their value, we are pleased to dedicate this issue to case reports, and inaugurate the inclusion of a “Practical implications” statement for full cases.
Case reports have played a distinguished role in furthering the research and practice of medicine and offer discoveries of unanticipated associations or unexpected treatment effects and disease features.1,2 Cases in point: In early 2005, 3 cases of natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy caused by reactivation of the JC virus were reported to the drug maker and then featured in a single issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.3–5 These case reports had a truly profound effect—temporary withdrawal of the drug from the market, development of a JC virus serologic marker, and a host of regulatory, insurance, and behavioral changes in the neurologic and pharmaceutical communities. Correspondence published in NCP6 regarding an article that discusses the ethics of reporting postmarketing adverse drug reactions7 highlights the role of case reports in providing a venue for discovery and disclosure.
Case reports are a touchstone—they convey concepts and content, but also promote critical thinking and humanize disease entities. Case reports are a proven, effective communication tool among busy practitioners and may inform personalization of treatments in clinical practice.8
We welcome reader feedback on this special issue and the case reports herein.
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John R. Corboy, MD, FAAN
REFERENCES
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