An overview of COVID-19 for diagnostic pathologists: clinicopathological correlation and diagnostic techniques

Abhisek Ghosh; Richard Colling

doi:10.1016/j.mpdhp.2020.06.001

An overview of COVID-19 for diagnostic pathologists: clinicopathological correlation and diagnostic techniques

Diagn Histopathol (Oxf). 2020 Nov;26(11):529-536. doi: 10.1016/j.mpdhp.2020.06.001. Epub 2020 Jun 8.

Authors

Abhisek Ghosh^{1

2}, Richard Colling^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ , Histopathology Registrar, Department of Cellular Pathology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK. Clinical Lecturer in Cellular Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. Conflicts of interest: none declared.
² , Honorary Consultant in Histopathology, Department of Cellular Pathology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK. Senior Clinical Research Fellow in Cellular Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. Conflicts of interest: none declared.

Abstract

The emergence of COVID-19 as a global pandemic has led to a rapid focus on understanding its pathobiology. The constellation of clinical, histological and laboratory findings seen in these patients is similar to other forms of viral pneumonia, but somewhat distinctive aspects exist which may raise the index of suspicion for this disease. The pathological findings are not limited to the respiratory system; cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and renal abnormalities have also been described. Establishing a link between the clinical features and macroscopic and microscopic findings is not only important for the practicing autopsy pathologist, but also for understanding of the disease as a whole. Furthermore, context-sensitive interpretation of diagnostic tests is essential. This article aims to review understanding of clinicopathological correlation in COVID-19, as well as clarifying the role of current diagnostic techniques.

Keywords: COVID-19; autopsy; coronavirus; histopathology; pathology.

Publication types

Review