Megakaryocytes and platelet-fibrin thrombi characterize multi-organ thrombosis at autopsy in COVID-19: A case series

BackgroundThere is increasing recognition of a prothrombotic state in COVID-19. Post-mortem examination can provide important mechanistic insights.MethodsWe present a COVID-19 autopsy series including findings in lungs, heart, kidneys, liver, and bone, from a New York academic medical center.FindingsIn seven patients (four female), regardless of anticoagulation status, all autopsies demonstrated platelet-rich thrombi in the pulmonary, hepatic, renal, and cardiac microvasculature. Megakaryocytes were seen in higher than usual numbers in the lungs and heart. Two cases had thrombi in the large pulmonary arteries, where casts conformed to the anatomic location. Thrombi in the IVC were not found, but the deep leg…

• NY
  New York University
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Award: P30CA016087
• NC
  National Cancer Institute

  Award: P30CA016087