Lung Pathology in COVID-19: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Pathology
• Pulmonology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Limited autopsy data exists for COVID-19 due to its high contagion and handling challenges.
• COVID-19 affects multiple organ systems, particularly the lungs, immune, and coagulation systems.
• Cytokine storms and thrombotic complications like disseminated intravascular coagulation are prominent in severe COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current information on lung histopathology in COVID-19 infection.
• To correlate histopathological findings with severe respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on COVID-19 lung pathology.
• Analysis of clinical findings and diagnostic test results.
• Inclusion of electron microscopy findings demonstrating viral particles.

Main Results:

• COVID-19 lungs show bilateral edema, altered color (red/tan to maroon), and firm consistency.
• Consistent histopathological features include parenchymal changes, peripheral pulmonary vessel thrombi, and diffuse alveolar damage.
• Viral particles have been identified using electron microscopy.

Conclusions:

• Lung histopathology in COVID-19 is characterized by diffuse alveolar damage and thrombotic events.
• These findings are crucial for understanding severe respiratory failure in COVID-19.
• Further autopsy studies are needed to fully elucidate COVID-19's pathological impact.