Cutaneous Vasculopathy in a COVID-19 Critically Ill Patient: A Histologic, Immunohistochemical, and Electron Microscopy Study
We describe a critically ill, SARS-CoV-2 positive patient with respiratory failure and thrombotic/livedoid skin lesions, appearing during the course of the disease. The biopsy of the lesions revealed an occlusive, pauci-inflammatory vasculopathy of the cutaneous small vessels characterized by comple...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2021-01-01
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| Series: | Case Reports in Critical Care |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2021/6644853 |
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| Summary: | We describe a critically ill, SARS-CoV-2 positive patient with respiratory failure and thrombotic/livedoid skin lesions, appearing during the course of the disease. The biopsy of the lesions revealed an occlusive, pauci-inflammatory vasculopathy of the cutaneous small vessels characterized by complement and fibrinogen deposition on vascular walls, pointing to a thrombotic vasculopathy. Transmission electron microscopy of the affected skin failed to reveal any viral inclusions. Clinical evaluation and laboratory findings ruled out systemic coagulopathies and disseminated intravascular coagulation, drug-induced skin reaction, and common viral rashes. Our hypothesis is that the, herein evidenced, microvascular occlusive injury might constitute a significant pathologic mechanism in COVID-19, being a common denominator between cutaneous and pulmonary manifestations. |
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| ISSN: | 2090-6420 2090-6439 |