Does COVID-19 Involve the Retina?
Michael Karampelas, Μaria Dalamaga, Ιrene Karampela
Abstract
Endothelial cell involvement with COVID-19 has been shown in the lung, heart, kidney, intestine and brain with histopathological evidence of endotheliitis and vasculitis. Viral RNA of COVID-19 has been detected in the retina of affected patients and recent publications highlight the possibility of retinal microangiopathy in patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection. Given the magnitude of the current pandemic, emphasis should be given to better reporting of clinically significant ocular symptoms, e.g. new scotoma, which could indicate the need for a retinal examination as well as follow-up testing after recovery from COVID-19.
Topics & Concepts
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)RetinaRetinalMedicineMicroangiopathyOphthalmologySevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Thrombotic microangiopathy2019-20 coronavirus outbreakVirologyPathologyBiologyNeuroscienceDiabetes mellitusEndocrinologyDiseaseOutbreakInfectious disease (medical specialty)Retinal and Optic ConditionsRetinal Imaging and AnalysisOcular Diseases and Behçet’s Syndrome