Histopathological assessments reveal retinal vascular changes, inflammation and gliosis in patients with lethal COVID-19.

ABSTRACT: To assess for histopathological changes within the retina and the choroid and determine the long-term sequelae of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Comparative analysis of human eyes. Eleven donor eyes from COVID-19 positive donors and similar age-matched donor eyes from patients with a negative test for SARS-CoV-2 were assessed. Globes were evaluated ex-vivo with macroscopic, SLO and OCT imaging. Macula and peripheral regions were processed for epon-embedding and immunocytochemistry. Retinal thickness and histopathology, detection of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, changes in vascular density, gliosis, and degree of inflammation. Fundus analysis shows hemorrhagic spots and increased vitreous debris in several of the COVID-19 eyes compared to the control. OCT based measurements indicated an increased tr

SUBMITTER: Jidigam VK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7924297 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature