AJSP2304 - CME/CMLE - Postmortem Histopathologic Findings and SARS-CoV-2 Detection in Autopsy Kidneys of Patients With COVID-19-Postmortem Histopathologic Findings and SARS-CoV-2 Detection in Autopsy Kidneys of Patients With COVID-19

Postmortem Histopathologic Findings and SARS-CoV-2 Detection in Autopsy Kidneys of Patients With COVID-19

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The article is a systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on the postmortem histopathological findings and SARS-CoV-2 detection in autopsy kidneys of patients who had COVID-19. Several key points were discussed, including the prevalence of acute tubular injury (ATI), arteriosclerosis, vascular congestion, and glomerular lesions. The findings suggest that ATI is a major consequence of COVID-19-associated acute kidney injury. The study revealed that SARS-CoV-2 was detected in approximately 50% of kidney tissue samples, indicating direct viral invasion of the kidneys in COVID-19 patients. <br /><br />The research identified associations between patient characteristics such as age, history of kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension with the development of ATI-related histopathologic findings. Additionally, the prevalence of various kidney pathologies, including tubulointerstitial inflammation, glomerular sclerosis, thrombosis, and endotheliitis, were discussed. The study highlighted the chronic nature of the glomerular lesions found in COVID-19 patients, suggesting they are likely related to preexisting conditions rather than solely due to COVID-19.<br /><br />Overall, the findings suggest that COVID-19 is associated with both tubular and glomerular impairments in the kidneys. Despite the limitations of the study, such as variable postmortem intervals and methodological challenges in virus detection, the research provides valuable insights into the renal manifestations of COVID-19 through postmortem examinations.

Keywords

COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 detection

autopsy kidneys

acute tubular injury

glomerular lesions

viral invasion

kidney pathologies

tubulointerstitial inflammation

endotheliitis

renal manifestations