ePrints

Post-mortem lung tissue: the fossil record of the pathophysiology and immunopathology of severe COVID-19

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Luke Milross, Dr Joaquim Majo, Professor Andrew FilbyORCiD, Professor Andrew FisherORCiD

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.

Abstract

© 2022 Elsevier LtdThe lungs are the main site that is affected in severe COVID-19, and post-mortem lung tissue provides crucial insights into the pathophysiology of severe disease. From basic histology to state-of-the-art multiparameter digital pathology technologies, post-mortem lung tissue provides snapshots of tissue architecture, and resident and inflammatory cell phenotypes and composition at the time of death. Contrary to early assumptions that COVID-19 in the lungs is a uniform disease, post-mortem findings have established a high degree of disease heterogeneity. Classic diffuse alveolar damage represents just one phenotype, with disease divisible by early and late progression as well as by pathophysiological process. A distinct lung tissue state occurs with secondary infection; extrapulmonary causes of death might also originate from a pathological process in the lungs linked to microthrombosis. This heterogeneity of COVID-19 lung disease must be recognised in the management of patients and in the development of novel treatment strategies.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Milross L, Majo J, Cooper N, Kaye PM, Bayraktar O, Filby A, Fisher AJ

Publication type: Review

Publication status: Published

Journal: The Lancet Respiratory Medicine

Year: 2022

Volume: 10

Issue: 1

Pages: 95-106

Print publication date: 01/01/2022

Online publication date: 03/12/2021

Acceptance date: 02/04/2020

ISSN (print): 2213-2600

ISSN (electronic): 2213-2619

Publisher: Elsevier Ltd

URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-2600(21)00408-2

DOI: 10.1016/S2213-2600(21)00408-2

Share