April 13, 2020

Pulmonary and Cardiac Pathology in Covid-19: The First Autopsy Series from New Orleans
Authors report on the relevant cardiopulmonary findings in the first series of autopsies in the United States, with the cause of death being due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. These cases identify key pathologic states potentially contributing to severe disease and decompensation in these patients. The dominant process in all cases was consistent with diffuse alveolar damage, with a mild to moderate mononuclear response consisting of notable CD4+ aggregates around thrombosed small vessels, and significant associated hemorrhage. Important additional mechanisms that may have contributed to death in this initial series of autopsies include a thrombotic microangiopathy that was restricted to the lungs.