Histopathological findings in fatal COVID-19 severe acute respiratory syndrome: preliminary experience from a series of 10 Spanish patients. Scientific Publication

Aug 24, 2020 | Magazine: Thorax

Borja Recalde 1 2 , Laura García-Tobar 3 , Alan Argueta 3 , Laura Álvarez 3 , Carlos Eduardo De Andrea 3 , Mirian Fernández Alonso 4 , Ana Ezponda 5 , Francisco Carmona Torre 2 4 , Carlota Jordán Iborra 2 6 , Jorge Augusto Quiroga 2 6 7 , Jose Luis Del Pozo 2 4 , Javier J Zulueta 1 2 , Gema Echarri 8 , Manuel F Landecho # 9 6 , Maria Dolores Lozano # 3 10 11

Abstract

In December 2019, an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome associated to SARS-CoV2 was reported in Wuhan, China. To date, little is known on histopathological findings in patients infected with the new SARS-CoV2.

Lung histopathology shows features of acute and organising diffuse alveolar damage. Subtle cellular inflammatory infiltrate has been found in line with the cytokine storm theory. Medium-size vessel thrombi were frequent, but capillary thrombi were not present.

Despite the elevation of biochemical markers of cardiac injury, little histopathological damage could be confirmed. Viral RNA from paraffin sections was detected at least in one organ in 90% patients.

CITATION Thorax. 2020 Aug 24;thoraxjnl-2020-215577. doi: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-215577D

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