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Guidelines for Submitting Dermpath Case Studies

Each ASDP Interactive Case consists of a brief introductory paragraph about the patient or biopsy followed by one or more question-and-answer modules.  Each module contains a question with five possible (and plausible) answers to the question. After the reader chooses one of the possible answers, the author provides the reader with a detailed one- to two-paragraph explanation for the best answer and a brief explanation of why the other options are incorrect or less preferred. 

Please note: ASDP has adopted the ABD item writing guidelines as its template for self-assessment questions. Please review those guidelines.

Possible questions include:

• Which of the following is the best diagnosis?
• Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?
• Which of the following is most likely to confirm the diagnosis? (could include immunohistochemical or special stains, genetic testing, in situ hybridization, gene rearrangement, etc…)
• Which of the following is the most appropriate screening test?
• For which of the following conditions is the patient at greatest risk?
• Which of the following is the most likely explanation for these findings?
• Which of the following is the most likely pathogen?
• Which of the following findings is most likely?

INTERACTIVE CASE FORMAT

General Requirements. All cases should be submitted via e-mail to psullivan@asdp.org. The case study text must be delivered in Microsoft Word format with all required information and case study sections clearly labeled. Images or video clips should be submitted to support the interactive case study text. Reference to the images and videos should be placed in the text to ensure their proper placement. Image filenames should be referenced with Arabic numerals corresponding to the text references. Images should not be embedded within the text.

Author Information. The following information is required to properly identify and correspond with the author or authors (up to 2): the name of physician(s) submitting the case, author's title, medical specialty, hospital affiliation, e-mail address and phone number. The ASDP requires that author(s) disclose any grants or funds received related to the case study. Please provide a photograph (when possible) and brief (3 - 4 sentences) biographical statement for each author.

Author Photo. Please submit a "head shot" to be posted with your case.

Title. Title of case study that does not give away the diagnosis or answer to the questions.

Clinical history. Present essential clinical information (HPI, relevant medical history, physical exam findings, lab tests, and prior treatments)

Question. This section includes one to three question and answer modules. Each element of the question and answer module is comprised of a question with five (5) potential answers arranged in alphabetical order. Example:

Which of the following is the best diagnosis?

A. (possible, but wrong)
B. (best answer)
C. (possible, but wrong)
D. (possible, but wrong)
E. (possible, but wrong)

Rationale for the Answers. This element of the question and answer module provides the reader with a one to two paragraph explanation for the best answer and a brief explanation of why the other answers are incorrect or less preferred. Example:

Why B is best (one-two paragraphs)

Why A is incorrect/less preferred (brief statement)
Why C is incorrect/less preferred (brief statement)
Why D is incorrect/less preferred (brief statement)
Why E is incorrect/less preferred (brief statement)

References. Up to 10 citations may be provided. Only articles that have been published or are in press may be included. They should be numbered in the order in which they appear in the text, and should be given in the format of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors and the National Library of Medicine (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/bsd/uniform_requirements.html). Journal titles should conform to the abbreviations in Cumulated Index Medicus. Give names and initials of all authors (unless four or more, in which case give the first three only then et al.). For examples, see below. 

For journal articles: 
Kofler H, Wambacher-Gasser B, Topar G, et al. Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment in therapy-resistant epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. J Am Acad Dermatol 1997;36:331-5.

For chapters in books: 
McNutt NS, Fishman PM. Metastatic tumors. In: Farmer ER, Hood AP, editors. Pathology of the skin. Norwalk (CT): Appleton & Lange; 1990. p. 465-78.

For articles published online ahead of print: 
Adebamowo CA, Spiegelman D, Danby FW, et al. High school dietary dairy intake and teenage acne. J Am Acad Dermatol doi:10.1016/ j.jaad.2004.08.007. Published online October 29, 2004. ASDP

POLICIES AND SUPPORTING MATERIALS

Images and Illustrations. All cases must include a minimum of two images. Submit images as electronic files in .jpeg format. The images must have a resolution of 72 pixels per inch and not exceed a width of 510 pixels.

The image filenames must correspond with the references, in Arabic numerals (for example, fig. 1) within the text of the case study.

Videos. ASDP has a designated YouTube account where videos can be uploaded for use with Case Studies. For information on how to include a video with your submission, contact ASDP Headquarters: +1-847-400-5820 or info@asdp.org.

Ownership of Case Study. Case studies selected for publication become the property of the American Society of Dermatopathology (ASDP). They may not be published or reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of ASDP.

Permission to Reproduce Published Material. 
Permission to reproduce any material published by ASDP must be obtained from the ASDP Headquarters; call +1-847-400-5820, fax +1-847-480-9282, or e-mail psullivan@asdp.org.

Editors and Publisher Waiver of Responsibility. 
Statements and opinions expressed in the case studies are those of the authors and not necessarily that of the editors or publisher. The editors and publisher disclaim any responsibility or liability for published material.

Patient Consent. Images of identifiable persons must be accompanied by signed releases from the patient(s) or from both living parents or guardians of minors. Similarly, consent must be obtained if a person can be identified through the text of a case study.

Citation of Case Studies. Case Studies published on the ASDP Web site should be cited as follows:

Davis M, Dean SM. "Cryptic Foot Nodules in a Patient with Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome." http://www.asdp.org/case_studies/case.cfm?id=185.

SUBMISSION OF CASE STUDY

All Case Studies should be submitted via e-mail to psullivan@asdp.org. Supporting materials may be submitted by e-mail or mail to the following address:

ASDP Editor
The American Society of Dermatopathology
111 Deer Lake Road, Suite 100
Deerfield, IL 60015 USA
psullivan@asdp.org

+1-847-400-5820
Fax: +1-847-480-9282

The following must be completed and returned with the other supporting materials.