Brain autopsies of critically ill COVID-19 patients demonstrate heterogeneous profile of acute vascular injury, inflammation and age-linked chronic brain diseases.

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study examined neuropathological findings of patients who died following hospitalization in an intensive care unit with SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

Data originate from 20 decedents who underwent brain autopsy followed by ex-vivo imaging and dissection. Systematic neuropathologic examinations were performed to assess histopathologic changes including cerebrovascular disease and tissue injury, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammatory response. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and fixed tissues were evaluated for the presence of viral RNA and protein.

Results

The mean age-at-death was 66.2 years (range: 26-97 years) and 14 were male. The patient's medical history included cardiovascular risk factors or diseases (n = 11, 55%) and dementia (n = 5, 25%). Brain examinat

SUBMITTER: Agrawal S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9758667 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature