[Late Breaking Session Pathology and COVID-19 Report]

Area of Science:

• Pathology
• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to medical understanding.
• Pathological examination of autopsy material is crucial for understanding disease mechanisms.
• Early research efforts were vital for informing clinical practice and public health responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize key findings presented at the German Society of Pathology's virtual congress on COVID-19 pathology.
• To highlight the rapid response of German-speaking pathologists to the pandemic.
• To underscore the medical relevance of early autopsy findings in COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Review of lectures from the "Pathology and COVID-19" session at the German Society of Pathology virtual congress.
• Discussion of data from the German Registry for COVID-19 autopsies (DeRegCOVID).
• Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 detection methods and pathological findings in various organs.

Main Results:

• Established German Registry for COVID-19 autopsies (DeRegCOVID) provided significant data.
• Identified typical lung findings in severe COVID-19 cases.
• Detailed distinct microvascular changes and cardiac/gastrointestinal involvement in COVID-19 patients.

Conclusions:

• Pathologists in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland quickly organized an effective autopsy program.
• The established autopsy program yielded medically highly relevant findings on COVID-19 pathology.
• Early pathological research significantly contributed to understanding the multifaceted impact of COVID-19.