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Gulubova M, Merhar V, Chonov D, Mitev M, Pekova L, Ananiev J. Histopathological examination of lung from infant with lethal COVID-19 with special attention on pneumocytes type II and the immune infiltrate: a case study. Ital J Pediatr 2025; 51:174. [PMID: 40483512 PMCID: PMC12145646 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-025-01984-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2025] [Indexed: 06/11/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 is a complex disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. The molecular and cellular mechanisms of the disease are unclear and their study is one of the greatest challenges for the modern science. Since the lung is the biggest target for SARS-CoV-2, the studies on cellular and molecular changes in this organ are essential to establish the pathogenesis of the disease. To date there is increasing number of reports on the lung pathology of fatal COVID-19 and the results are mainly obtained by autopsies of elderly patients, since this age group shows highest mortality. Little is known about the progression of the disease in children and especially newborn and infants and, to our knowledge, there are no reports on the lung features of fatal COVID-19 in this age group. METHODS In the present case study, we have investigated the lung morphological features in 11-months old infant who has died as a result of complications from COVID-19. Immunohistochemistry for immune cell markers and transmission electron microscopy for alveolocytes type II (ATII) are made. RESULTS Immediate cause of the death was acute respiratory failure resulting from bilateral interstitial pneumonia and subsequent acute cardiovascular failure. The histopathology shows lung edema, hyaline membranes, airway mucus plugging and interstitial inflammation. On cellular level we have observed a substantial increase in the number of ATII cells. ATII cells were marked with cytokeratin 19, TTF1 and napsin A. Transmission elec-tron microscopy reveals ongoing apoptosis in these cells with a typical chromatin clustering and condensation towards the inner nuclear membrane. Immunohisto-chemistry shows significant increase of CD68+ macro-phages in the alveoli, increase of IL-6 in immune and stromal cells, moderate elevation of FOXP3+ and IL-17+ cells and expression of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in alveolar walls. Immune cell interactions are discussed in the sense of ongoing cytokine storm. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the complexity of COVID-19 lung affection, involving ATII cell hyperplasia, interstitial mononuclear cell infiltration and macrophages increase. The findings provide an additional knowledge on the pathophysiology of COVID-19 in the lung and can serve as a basis for investigation of molecular mechanisms of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Gulubova
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Embryology and Pathology, Medical Faculty, University "Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov", Burgas, Bulgaria.
- Clinics of Pathology, University Hospital "Prof. Dr. Stoyan Kirkovich" Stara, Zagora, Bulgaria.
- Medical Faculty, Trakia University,, Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Stara, Zagora, Bulgaria.
| | - Vesselina Merhar
- Department of Biology, Medical Genetics, Microbiology, Medical Faculty, University "Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov", Burgas, Bulgaria
| | - Dimitar Chonov
- Clinics of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital "Prof. Dr. Stoyan Kirkovich" Stara, Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Mitko Mitev
- Clinics of Rentgenology and Radiology, University Hospital, "Prof. Dr. Stoyan Kirkovich" Stara, Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Lilia Pekova
- Clinics of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital "Prof. Dr. Stoyan Kirkovich", Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Julian Ananiev
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
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Pădureanu V, Caragea DC, Florescu MM, Vladu IM, Rădulescu PM, Florescu DN, Rădulescu D, Pădureanu R, Efrem IC. Role of the SARS‑COV2 infection in the evolution of acute pancreatitis (Review). Biomed Rep 2023; 19:49. [PMID: 37383680 PMCID: PMC10293881 DOI: 10.3892/br.2023.1632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute pancreatitis is characterized as an inflammatory illness that is life-threatening and causes necrosis as well as simple edema when pancreatic enzymes are activated intraglandularly. It is not known whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causes acute pancreatitis. Patients with acute pancreatitis who test positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) frequently have biliary or alcoholic causes. It is unclear how common acute pancreatitis is in patients with COVID-19. By contrast with patients without COVID-19, however, COVID-19-positive patients with acute pancreatitis have a higher mortality as well as a higher risk of necrosis and admission to an intensive care unit. The most common cause of mortality in COVID-19-positive individuals with concurrent severe pancreatitis is acute respiratory distress syndrome. The present study discussed research on the link between COVID-19 infection and acute pancreatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vlad Pădureanu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova 200349, Romania
| | - Daniel Cosmin Caragea
- Department of Nephrology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova 200349, Romania
| | - Mirela Marinela Florescu
- Department of Morphology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova 200349, Romania
| | - Ionela Mihaela Vladu
- Department of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova 200349, Romania
| | - Patricia Mihaela Rădulescu
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova 200349, Romania
| | - Dan Nicolae Florescu
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova 200349, Romania
| | - Dumitru Rădulescu
- Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova 200349, Romania
| | - Rodica Pădureanu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova 200349, Romania
| | - Ion Cristian Efrem
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova 200349, Romania
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Septimiu-Radu S, Gadela T, Gabriela D, Oancea C, Rosca O, Lazureanu VE, Fericean RM, Bratosin F, Dumitrescu A, Stoicescu ER, Bagiu I, Murariu M, Mavrea A. A Systematic Review of Lung Autopsy Findings in Elderly Patients after SARS-CoV-2 Infection. J Clin Med 2023; 12:2070. [PMID: 36902856 PMCID: PMC10004532 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12052070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although COVID-19 may cause various and multiorgan diseases, few research studies have examined the postmortem pathological findings of SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals who died. Active autopsy results may be crucial for understanding how COVID-19 infection operates and preventing severe effects. In contrast to younger persons, however, the patient's age, lifestyle, and concomitant comorbidities might alter the morpho-pathological aspects of the damaged lungs. Through a systematic analysis of the available literature until December 2022, we aimed to provide a thorough picture of the histopathological characteristics of the lungs in patients older than 70 years who died of COVID-19. A thorough search was conducted on three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science), including 18 studies and a total of 478 autopsies performed. It was observed that the average age of patients was 75.6 years, of which 65.4% were men. COPD was identified in an average of 16.7% of all patients. Autopsy findings indicated significantly heavier lungs, with an average weight of the right lung of 1103 g, while the left lung mass had an average weight of 848 g. Diffuse alveolar damage was a main finding in 67.2% of all autopsies, while pulmonary edema had a prevalence of between 50% and 70%. Thrombosis was also a significant finding, while some studies described focal and extensive pulmonary infarctions in 72.7% of elderly patients. Pneumonia and bronchopneumonia were observed, with a prevalence ranging from 47.6% to 89.5%. Other important findings described in less detail comprise hyaline membranes, the proliferation of pneumocytes and fibroblasts, extensive suppurative bronchopneumonic infiltrates, intra-alveolar edema, thickened alveolar septa, desquamation of pneumocytes, alveolar infiltrates, multinucleated giant cells, and intranuclear inclusion bodies. These findings should be corroborated with children's and adults' autopsies. Postmortem examination as a technique for studying the microscopic and macroscopic features of the lungs might lead to a better knowledge of COVID-19 pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment, hence enhancing elderly patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susa Septimiu-Radu
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Disease, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Doctoral School, ‘’Victor Babes’’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tejaswi Gadela
- School of General Medicine, Bhaskar Medical College, Amdapur Road 156-162, Hyderabad 500075, India
| | - Doros Gabriela
- Department of Pediatrics, Discipline of Infectious Disease, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristian Oancea
- Center for Research and Innovation in Precision Medicine of Respiratory Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Rosca
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Disease, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Voichita Elena Lazureanu
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Disease, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Manuela Fericean
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Disease, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Doctoral School, ‘’Victor Babes’’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Felix Bratosin
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Disease, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Doctoral School, ‘’Victor Babes’’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Andreea Dumitrescu
- Cardioprevent Foundation, Calea Dorobantilor 3, Timisoara 300134, Romania
| | - Emil Robert Stoicescu
- Doctoral School, ‘’Victor Babes’’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Iulia Bagiu
- Department of Microbiology, Multidisciplinary Research Center on Antimicrobial Resistance, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Mircea Murariu
- Doctoral School, ‘’Victor Babes’’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Pediatrics, Discipline of Infectious Disease, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Adelina Mavrea
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Cardiology Clinic, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Priya SP, Sunil PM, Varma S, Brigi C, Isnadi MFAR, Jayalal JA, Shadamarshan RA, Kumar SS, Kumari NV, Kumar RPR. Direct, indirect, post-infection damages induced by coronavirus in the human body: an overview. Virusdisease 2022; 33:429-444. [PMID: 36311173 PMCID: PMC9593972 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-022-00793-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 invades the cells via ACE2 receptor and damages multiple organs of the human body. Understanding the pathological manifestation is mandatory to endure the rising post-infection sequel reported in patients with or without comorbidities. Materials and methods Our descriptive review emphasises the direct, indirect and post-infection damages due to COVID-19. We have performed an electronic database search according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines with selective inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results The included studies substantiated the extensive damages in the multiple organs due to direct and indirect consequences of COVID-19. After an apparent recovery, the prolonged presentation of the symptoms manifests as post-COVID that can be related with persisting viral antigens and dysregulated immune response. Conclusion A few of the symptoms of respiratory, cardiovascular, and neuropsychiatric systems that persist or reappear as post-COVID manifestations. Vaccination and preventive programs will effectively reduce the prevalence but, the post-COVID, a multisystem manifestation, will be a significant tribulation to the medical profession. However, the issue can be managed by implementing public health programs, rehabilitation services, and telemedicine virtual supports to raise awareness and reduce panic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivan Padma Priya
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, RAK College of Dental Sciences, RAK Medical and Health Sciences, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
| | - P. M. Sunil
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Sree Anjaneya Institute of Dental Sciences, Calicut, Kerala India
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerate Medicine, Malabar Medical College, Calicut, Kerala India
| | - Sudhir Varma
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Dentistry, Center for Medical and Bio-Allied Health Science Research, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE
- Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, India
| | - Carel Brigi
- Molecular Medicine and Translational Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Mohammad Faruq Abd Rachman Isnadi
- Department of Pathobiology and Medical Diagnostics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - J. A. Jayalal
- Department of Surgery, Kanyakumari Medical College and Hospital, Asaripallam, India
| | - R. Arunkumar Shadamarshan
- Dental Officer and Graded Specialist (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery), Indo Bhutan Friendship Hospital, IMTRAT, Thimpu Bhutan, 11001 Bhutan
| | - S. Suresh Kumar
- Centre for Materials Engineering and Regenerative Medicine,, Bharath Institute of Higher Eduction and Research, Chennai, 600073 Tamil Nadu India
| | - Neela Vasantha Kumari
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, Selangor 43400 Malaysia
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Brisinda G, Chiarello MM, Tropeano G, Altieri G, Puccioni C, Fransvea P, Bianchi V. SARS-CoV-2 and the pancreas: What do we know about acute pancreatitis in COVID-19 positive patients? World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:5240-5249. [PMID: 36185634 PMCID: PMC9521525 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i36.5240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can cause pancreatic damage, both directly to the pancreas via angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors (the transmembrane proteins required for SARS-CoV-2 entry, which are highly expressed by pancreatic cells) and indirectly through locoregional vasculitis and thrombosis. Despite that, there is no clear evidence that SARS-CoV-2 is an etiological agent of acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) positive patients often recognizes biliary or alcoholic etiology. The prevalence of acute pancreatitis in COVID-19 positive patients is not exactly known. However, COVID-19 positive patients with acute pancreatitis have a higher mortality and an increased risk of intensive care unit admission and necrosis compared to COVID-19 negative patients. Acute respiratory distress syndrome is the most frequent cause of death in COVID-19 positive patients and concomitant acute pancreatitis. In this article, we reported recent evidence on the correlation between COVID-19 infection and acute pancreatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Brisinda
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Tropeano
- Emergency Surgery and Trauma Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Gaia Altieri
- Emergency Surgery and Trauma Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Caterina Puccioni
- Emergency Surgery and Trauma Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Pietro Fransvea
- Emergency Surgery and Trauma Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Valentina Bianchi
- Emergency Surgery and Trauma Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
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Usami O. Two Cases of COVID-19-Related Deaths Unaccounted for: A Call for Action. Cureus 2022; 14:e26238. [PMID: 35911326 PMCID: PMC9312909 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.26238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) high-risk survivors experience long-term COVID-19 symptoms. Hence, these individuals require early and ubiquitous respiratory rehabilitation to avoid malnutrition. We report the case of a 93-year-old woman who recovered from moderate II severity (pneumonia requiring oxygen). The patient, after prolonged hospitalization, demonstrated low severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infectivity and showed no COVID-19 respiratory symptoms for more than 72 hours. Subsequently, the patient became debilitated and lost her appetite without dysphagia, dysgeusia, and smell disorder, developed nosocomial pneumonia as a sequela of acute COVID-19 and died. We also report the second case of an 84-year-old man diagnosed with moderate II COVID-19 severity. After recovery, the patient was frail due to the previous onset of COVID-19 and worsened during his stay at home, losing appetite without dysphagia, dysgeusia, and smell disorder, and dying of senility as the official cause. Recovered COVID-19 appears to be a health risk by malnutrition without anorexia and depression, among other conditions. A proven rehabilitation program for each phase of the disease is required for better lung function and nutritional status.
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Menezes RG, Rizwan T, Saad Ali S, Hassan W, Khetpal A, Aqil M, Madadin M, Jamal Siddiqi T, Shariq Usman M. Postmortem findings in COVID-19 fatalities: A systematic review of current evidence. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2022; 54:102001. [PMID: 34952452 PMCID: PMC8648585 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2021.102001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Almost 17 months after the first COVID-19 case was reported, the exact pathogenesis of the virus is still open to interpretation. Postmortem studies have been relatively scarce due to the high infectivity rate of the virus. We systematically reviewed the literature available for studies that reported gross, histological, microscopic, and immunohistochemical findings in COVID-19 fatalities with the aim of reporting any recurrent findings among different demographics. PubMed and Scopus were searched up till the second of May 2021 and 46 studies with a total of 793 patients were shortlisted after the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The selected studies reported gross, histological, microscopic, and immunohistochemical autopsy findings in the lungs, heart, liver, gallbladder, bowels, kidney, spleen, bone marrow, lymph nodes, CNS, pancreas, endocrine/exocrine glands, and a few other miscellaneous locations. The SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected in multiple organs and so was the presence of widespread microthrombi. This finding suggests that the pathogenesis of this highly infectious virus might be linked to some form of coagulopathy. Further studies should focus on analyzing postmortem findings in a larger number of patients from different demographics in order to obtain more generalizable results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh G Menezes
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Tehlil Rizwan
- Department of Medicine, AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Syed Saad Ali
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Wardah Hassan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Akash Khetpal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad Aqil
- Deanship of Library Affairs, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Madadin
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, King Fahd Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tariq Jamal Siddiqi
- Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
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Beasley MB. Acute lung injury-from cannabis to COVID. Mod Pathol 2022; 35:1-7. [PMID: 34504310 PMCID: PMC8428494 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-021-00915-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent world events have refocused attention on the pathology associated with clinical acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The vast majority of cases of clinical ARDS will have diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) histologically, but other histologies may occur less frequently. The aim of this paper is to provide a review of the pathology of DAD and acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia and provide insights into the pathologic features associated with the E-cigarette/vaping-associated lung-injury outbreak and the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Beth Beasley
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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9
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Romanova ES, Vasilyev VV, Startseva G, Karev V, Rybakova MG, Platonov PG. Cause of death based on systematic post-mortem studies in patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 tissue PCR during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Intern Med 2021; 290:655-665. [PMID: 33872433 PMCID: PMC8250818 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Assessment of the causative association between the COVID-19 and cause of death has been hampered by limited availability of systematically performed autopsies. We aimed to present autopsy-confirmed causes of death in patients who died with COVID-19 and to assess the association between thrombosis and diffuse alveolar damage consistent with COVID-19 (DAD). METHODS Consecutive forensic (n = 60) and clinical (n = 42) autopsies with positive post-mortem SARS-CoV-2 PCR in lungs (age 73 ± 14 years, 50% men) were included. The cause of death analysis was based on a review of medical records and histological reports. Thrombotic phenomena in lungs were defined as pulmonary thromboembolism (PE), thrombosis in pulmonary artery branches or microangiopathy in capillary vessels. RESULTS COVID-19 caused or contributed to death in 71% of clinical and 83% of forensic autopsies, in whom significant DAD was observed. Of the patients with COVID-19 as the primary cause of death, only 19% had no thrombotic phenomena in the lungs, as opposed to 38% amongst those with COVID-19 as a contributing cause of death and 54% amongst patients whose death was not related to COVID-19 (p = 0.002). PE was observed in 5 patients. Two patients fulfilled the criteria for lymphocyte myocarditis. CONCLUSIONS Vast majority of all PCR-positive fatalities, including out-of-hospital deaths, during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic were related to DAD caused by COVID-19. Pulmonary artery thrombosis and microangiopathy in pulmonary tissue were common and associated with the presence of DAD, whilst venous PE was rarely observed. Histology-confirmed lymphocyte myocarditis was a rare finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Romanova
- From the, Department of Infectious Diseases, Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - V V Vasilyev
- From the, Department of Infectious Diseases, Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - G Startseva
- From the, Department of Infectious Diseases, Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - V Karev
- Pediatric Research and Clinical Center for Infectious Diseases, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - M G Rybakova
- Department of Pathology, Pavlov First St. Petersburg Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - P G Platonov
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Sessa F, Salerno M, Pomara C. Autopsy Tool in Unknown Diseases: The Experience with Coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2). MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:309. [PMID: 33806100 PMCID: PMC8064502 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57040309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the last two decades, three unknown pathogens have caused outbreaks, generating severe global health concerns. In 2003, after nucleic acid genotyping, a new virus was named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). After nine years, another coronavirus emerged in the middle east and was named MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus). Finally, in December 2019, a new unknown coronavirus was isolated from a cluster of patients and was named SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019). This review aims to propose a complete overview of autopsy in the three coronaviruses over the past two decades, showing its pivotal role in the management of unknown diseases. A total of 116 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria: 14 studies were collected concerning SARS-CoV (87 autopsy reports, from Asian and American countries), 2 studies for MERS-CoV (2 autopsy reports, from Middle-East Asian countries), and 100 studies on SARS-CoV-2 (930 autopsy reports). Analyzing the data obtained on COVID-19, based on the country criterion, a large number of post-mortem investigation were performed in European countries (580 reports), followed by American countries (251 reports). It is interesting to note that no data were found from the Oceanic countries, maybe because of the minor involvement of the outbreak. In all cases, autopsy provided much information about each unknown coronavirus. Despite advanced technologies in the diagnostic fields, to date, autopsy remains the gold standard method to understand the biological features and the pathogenesis of unknown infections, especially when awareness of a pathogen is restricted and the impact on the healthcare system is substantial. The knowledge gained through this technique may positively influence therapeutic strategies, ultimately reducing mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sessa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Monica Salerno
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy;
| | - Cristoforo Pomara
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy;
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Epinephrine. REACTIONS WEEKLY 2021. [PMCID: PMC7997481 DOI: 10.1007/s40278-021-93180-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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12
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Menter T, Tzankov A. Investigations of Pathologists as a Key to Understanding Coronavirus Disease 2019. Pathobiology 2020; 88:11-14. [PMID: 33341799 PMCID: PMC7801993 DOI: 10.1159/000513602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Menter
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandar Tzankov
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,
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