You can now use a new element <abstract> in DITA topics. The <abstract> element can include complex markups besides the <shortdesc> element. You can put the <shortdesc> element inside the <abstract> element, together with many other elements. The following examples illustrate how you can use the <abstract> element..
Example 1
<shortdesc>This is a short description in DITA 1.0. It <b>cannot</b> contain paragraphs.</shortdesc>
Example 2
<abstract>
<shortdesc>This is the short description</shortdesc>
<ol>
<li>This is a <i>list</i>.</li>
</ol>
<p>This is a <b>paragraph</b>.</p>
<codeblock>Here are some codes.</codeblock>
<filepath>This is the file path.</filepath>
</abstract>
Example 3
<abstract><shortdesc>This topic is about short description.</shortdesc>. Short description is very important, so read more.</abstract>