Role of autopsy in COVID-19 patients

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 had caused a pandemic leading to over 6M positive cases worldwide out of which 3.73 lac are demised (until when the article was written). Its first outbreak was seen in Wuhan, China. In the Indian scenario, we have a total of 2 lac cases out of which 5,679 have been deceased (until when the article was written). Due to the high transmissibility of this disease, the entire country is under lockdown to prevent the spread of the virus. The main etiology of this virus is the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2(SARS-CoV-2). This affects the respiratory system leading to cough, shortness of breath, and fever. There have been cases with mild or no symptoms reported, but the cause of death is due to the virus. This helps us understand the diagnosis, epidemiology, symptoms, and pathophysiology about the virus, which can help in treatment modalities. An autopsy is one of the methods by which we can understand the systematic involvement other than the respiratory system. Various pathological, microbiological changes can occur in the other organs. Even though the person is deceased, the virus is highly infectious can cause the spread through body fluids. Proper care must be taken while handling the body and performing the procedure. This review article aims to focus on the autopsy findings found in various cases to study the disease pathophysiology of the SARS-CoV-2. This article also helps us understand the guidelines that have been put forward by WHO and CDC must be followed regarding the specification required in the autopsy room; PPE’s to be worn, human waste and fluid disposal, body transportation. Proper personal hygiene must be maintained while handling the COVID-19 patients; this can lead to less susceptibility of acquiring the disease.