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SARS-CoV-2-related deaths in routine forensic autopsy practice: histopathological patterns
Antonio Tombolini1, Roberto Scendoni2
1UOC Medicina Legale ASUR AV3, Via Annibali 31L Piediripa, 62100, Macerata, Italy. antonio.tombolini@virgilio.it.
International Journal of Legal Medicine
|July 3, 2020
Summary
Sudden deaths from coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) can occur in seemingly healthy individuals. Autopsy reveals specific histopathologic patterns linked to the virus
Area of Science:
- Forensic pathology
- Viral pathophysiology
- Infectious disease mortality
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a significant cause of mortality worldwide.
- Sudden, unexpected deaths in individuals without prior hospitalization pose diagnostic challenges for forensic pathologists.
Observation:
- This report details two autopsy cases of sudden, home-based deaths attributed to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Neither case involved prior hospitalization, presenting with only mild, flu-like symptoms preceding death.
Findings:
- Autopsies revealed distinct histopathologic findings associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- These patterns correlate with the known pathophysiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
Implications:
- Understanding these histopathologic patterns is crucial for accurate cause-of-death determination in unexpected fatalities.
- This research aids forensic investigations into COVID-19-related mortality, particularly in non-hospitalized cases.
