Postmortem pathological changes in extrapulmonary organs in SARS-CoV-2 rt-PCR-positive cases: a single-center...

Area of Science:

• Pathology
• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiovascular Science

Background:

• The lungs are the primary organ affected by SARS-CoV-2.
• Extrapulmonary organ damage is also a significant consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate extrapulmonary pathological findings in deceased individuals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• To analyze autopsy results from postmortem polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive cases.

Main Methods:

• Light microscopy was used to examine pathological changes in extrapulmonary organs.
• Autopsy samples from heart, liver, spleen, kidney, pancreas, and central nervous system were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Cardiac findings included scar, myocardial infarction, and myocarditis.
• Liver pathology showed portal inflammation, steatosis, and capillary endotheliitis.
• Kidney damage encompassed chronic pyelonephritis, tubular damage, and microvascular thrombosis.
• Central nervous system findings included infarction, hemorrhage, hypoxic changes, and capillary endotheliitis.

Conclusions:

• Autopsies are crucial for understanding the systemic impact of SARS-CoV-2.
• Systematic examination of all organs aids in elucidating viral pathogenesis.
• Findings contribute to improved clinical management of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients.