Pathology of COVID-19

Coronavirus infection 2019 (COVID-19) has become a challenge for the health care system around the world due to the progressive increase in the number of cases with severe manifestations of the disease. Autopsy findings are fundamental and critical to better understanding how infection affects the human body. These data are needed to improve diagnostic and treatment methods, as well as to stratify risk groups.

The purpose of the review is to analyze and summarize the pathological data available to date related to COVID-19. In COVID-19, the lungs are usually severe and swollen. Histologically, the most frequent is the detection of both exudative and proliferative diffuse alveolar injury with the formation of hyaline membranes, inflammatory cell infiltration, and stagnant small vessels. There is also evidence that SARS-CoV-2 causes endothelial dysfunction. There is still insufficient data to reflect the complete pathophysiological picture of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Almost all of the articles reviewed in this review focused on pulmonary macro- and microscopic changes; there is little data on the features of the virus affecting other organs and its systemic effect. Despite the tremendous attention and investment in the fight against the new coronavirus infection, diagnosis of most of the deaths associated with COVID-19 is difficult.

It is necessary to conduct further pathological studies, the purpose of which should be the development of a standardized diagnostic method, as well as the isolation of pathognomonic signs of the disease.