Autopsy in the time of COVID

Kathryn J Griffin

doi:10.1016/j.mpdhp.2020.12.002

Autopsy in the time of COVID

Diagn Histopathol (Oxf). 2021 Mar;27(3):134-137. doi: 10.1016/j.mpdhp.2020.12.002. Epub 2021 Jan 7.

Author

Kathryn J Griffin¹

Affiliation

¹ NIHR Clinical Lecturer in Histopathology, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, UK. Conflicts of interest: none declared.

Abstract

Whilst much literature has been published since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there remains limited knowledge of the autopsy findings following death from SARS-CoV-2 infection. The practicalities of triaging and examining bodies with suspected COVID-19 are complex and the need for full post-mortem must be balanced with the potential risks to mortuary staff. This brief case report describes the features of a COVID-19 autopsy performed at the start of the first phase of the pandemic and highlights some important learning points for trainees engaged in autopsy practice.

Keywords: COVID-19; autopsy; diffuse alveolar damage.

Publication types

Case Reports