Instructions for Authors
Comprehensive guidelines for preparing and submitting your clinical case report to JCCI.
Your Roadmap to Publication
This guide covers everything you need to know to prepare a high-quality submission for the Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Images. Following these instructions will expedite the review process and maximize your chances of acceptance.
JCCI publishes the following manuscript categories. Each has specific requirements for length and structure:
| Category | Word Limit | Abstract | Figures/Tables | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case Report | 1,500-3,000 | 250 words (structured) | Up to 8 | Up to 30 |
| Clinical Images | 500-1,000 | 100 words (unstructured) | Up to 4 | Up to 10 |
| Case Series | 2,500-4,000 | 300 words (structured) | Up to 10 | Up to 40 |
| Technical Note | 1,000-2,000 | 150 words (unstructured) | Up to 5 | Up to 20 |
Case reports should follow this structured format:
- Title Page: Title, authors, affiliations, corresponding author contact, word count, keywords
- Abstract: Structured with Background, Case Presentation, and Conclusions sections
- Introduction: Clinical context and rationale for reporting this case
- Case Presentation: Detailed chronological narrative including history, examination, investigations, treatment, and outcome
- Discussion: Interpretation, comparison with literature, clinical implications
- Conclusions: Key learning points and take-home messages
- References: Vancouver style formatting
- Figures and Tables: With descriptive legends
Text Formatting
- Microsoft Word (.doc/.docx) format
- Double-spaced, 12-point font
- Continuous line numbering
- Standard margins (1 inch all sides)
- No embedded figures in text
Image Requirements
- Minimum 300 DPI resolution
- TIFF, JPEG, or PNG formats
- Arrows or labels for key findings
- Separate files from manuscript
- Patient identifiers removed
References should be numbered consecutively in the order they appear in the text. Use the following formats:
- Journal Article: Smith JB, Williams KT. Unusual presentation of appendicitis in elderly patients. J Clin Case Rep. 2025;15(3):245-250.
- Book Chapter: Johnson PR. Emergency surgical procedures. In: Green M, ed. Clinical Surgery Manual. 3rd ed. New York: Medical Press; 2024:125-142.
- Online Source: World Health Organization. Clinical management guidelines. WHO; 2025. Available at: https://www.who.int/guidelines. Accessed December 2025.
All case reports involving human subjects must comply with ethical standards:
Patient Consent
Written informed consent must be obtained from the patient (or legal guardian) for publication of their clinical details and images. A statement confirming consent must appear in the manuscript.
CARE Checklist
Authors must complete the CARE (CAse REport) checklist and upload it as a supplementary file. This ensures completeness and transparency in case reporting.
Privacy Protection
All patient-identifying information must be removed from images and text unless explicit consent for identification has been obtained. Blur or crop facial features.
★ CARE Guidelines
JCCI endorses the CARE guidelines for case report writing. The CARE checklist helps ensure complete, transparent, and accurate reporting. Download the checklist at www.care-statement.org.
- Prepare: Format your manuscript according to these guidelines
- Register: Create an account on our ManuscriptZone submission portal
- Upload: Submit your manuscript, figures, consent form, and CARE checklist
- Review: Your submission undergoes double-blind peer review (4-6 weeks)
- Revise: Address reviewer feedback if revision is requested
- Accept: Pay the APC after your manuscript is accepted
- Publish: Your case report goes live within 2 weeks of payment
Ready to Submit?
Your clinical insights can advance medical knowledge worldwide.
