Megakaryocytes and platelet-fibrin thrombi characterize multi-organ thrombosis at autopsy in COVID-19: A case series.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There is increasing recognition of a prothrombotic state in COVID-19. Post-mortem examination can provide important mechanistic insights.

Methods

We present a COVID-19 autopsy series including findings in lungs, heart, kidneys, liver, and bone, from a New York academic medical center.

Findings

In seven patients (four female), regardless of anticoagulation status, all autopsies demonstrated platelet-rich thrombi in the pulmonary, hepatic, renal, and cardiac microvasculature. Megakaryocytes were seen in higher than usual numbers in the lungs and heart. Two cases had thrombi in the large pulmonary arteries, where casts conformed to the anatomic location. Thrombi in the IVC were not found, but the deep leg veins were not dissected. Two cases had cardiac venous

SUBMITTER: Rapkiewicz AV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7316051 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature