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COVID-19 and Vasa vasorum: New Atherogenic Factor? A Case Report and Autopsy Findings

Julia A Macarova1, Sofia A Malakhova1, Tatiana A Novitskaya1,2

  • 1Laboratory of the Microangiopathic Mechanisms of Atherogenesis, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia.

Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 29, 2023
PubMed

Insights

COVID-19 patients face increased cardiovascular risks, potentially due to SARS-CoV-2 affecting blood vessels. This study links viral infection to atherosclerosis and stroke via Vasa vasorum inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Pathology
  • Infectious Disease
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • COVID-19 is associated with elevated cardiovascular complications, including thrombosis and thromboembolism.
  • The severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) may destabilize atherosclerotic plaques.
  • Viral infection can progressively alter blood vessels, impacting cardiovascular health.

Observation:

  • A fatal case of ischemic brain disease is presented, stemming from cerebral atherosclerosis and a stroke during COVID-19 infection.
  • Autopsy revealed perivascular lymphocytic infiltration and vasculitis of the Vasa vasorum.
  • Thrombi were observed in the adventitial microvasculature of the Vasa vasorum.

Findings:

  • SARS-CoV-2 infection can induce inflammation and vasculitis in the Vasa vasorum.
  • This inflammation contributes to the destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques.
  • Vasa vasorum vasculitis is implicated as a mechanism for cardiovascular complications in COVID-19 patients.

Implications:

  • The Vasa vasorum plays a critical role in atherogenesis and its exacerbation during viral infections.
  • Understanding this mechanism may lead to targeted therapies for cardiovascular complications in COVID-19.
  • This research highlights the intricate relationship between viral infections and pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

Keywords:
COVID-19SARS-CoV-2atherosclerosis

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