COVID-19 autopsies: conclusions from international studies

Area of Science:

• Pathology
• Virology
• Histopathology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred extensive global research, necessitating synthesis of findings.
• Rapid publication rates in COVID-19 research present challenges for staying current.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize critical findings from international COVID-19 autopsy studies.
• To provide an illustrated overview of organ system pathology in COVID-19.
• To support histopathologists in understanding COVID-19 related pathology.

Main Methods:

• Review of first-hand experience from a London-based COVID-19 autopsy center.
• Distillation of valid and important findings from published international autopsy studies.
• Focus on organ systems most frequently affected by COVID-19.

Main Results:

• Summary of key pathological findings across multiple organ systems affected by COVID-19.
• Illustrated descriptions of histopathological changes.
• Identification of the most significant and reliable autopsy findings.

Conclusions:

• The article offers a curated summary of COVID-19 autopsy findings for educational purposes.
• It aims to enhance the understanding of COVID-19 pathogenesis and pathology among histopathologists.
• Provides a foundation for further investigation into disease mechanisms.