Histopathological findings in fatal COVID-19 severe acute respiratory syndrome: preliminary experience from a series of 10 Spanish patients
Borja Recalde‐Zamacona, Laura García‐Tobar, Allan Argueta, Laura Álvarez‐Álvarez, Carlos Eduardo de Andrea, Mirian Fernández Alonso, Ana Ezponda, Francisco Carmona-Torre, Carlota Jordán Iborra, Jorge Quiroga, José Luís del Pozo, Javier J. Zulueta, Gemma Echarri, Manuel F. Landecho, María D. Lozano
Abstract
In December 2019, an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome associated to SARS-CoV2 was reported in Wuhan, China. To date, little is known on histopathological findings in patients infected with the new SARS-CoV2. Lung histopathology shows features of acute and organising diffuse alveolar damage. Subtle cellular inflammatory infiltrate has been found in line with the cytokine storm theory. Medium-size vessel thrombi were frequent, but capillary thrombi were not present. Despite the elevation of biochemical markers of cardiac injury, little histopathological damage could be confirmed. Viral RNA from paraffin sections was detected at least in one organ in 90% patients.