Histopathological Findings in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Patients with COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction/ObjectiveAmidst the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, we have learned that other organs, aside from the lungs, are affected by the virus. Tissue damage has been documented both clinically and histologically in multiple systems including the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical symptoms of gastrointestinal distress may be correlated with histopathologic findings. Studies have shown direct infection of epithelial cells in the GI tract in patients with the disease. The objective of this study is to identify specific histologic alterations that are present in patients with COVID-19.Methods/Case ReportAt our institution, a retrospective analysis was conducted to evaluate all COVID-positive patients who underwent any gastrointestinal procedure within 30 days after their positive test. The time frame included January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. Chart reviews were performed to document radiographic studies, endoscopic findings, histopathologic analysis, and clinical symptoms.Results (if a Case Study enter NA)A total of 26 patients met our criteria for inclusion in the study. The cohort consisted of 10 males and 16 females ranging in age from 13 to 78 years. Tissue was sent for histologic analysis in 19 of these individuals. Tubular adenomas (13), chronic gastritis (11), and prominent intestinal lymphoid aggregates (7) were the most common pathologic findings (Table 1).ConclusionThese findings suggest that the histopathologic findings rendered from GI procedures of patients with COVID-19 may be non-specific and may not reveal any morphologic correlate to the clinical signs and symptoms. We propose that histopathological abnormalities identified from GI samples of SARS-CoV-2 positive patients must be correlated with clinical symptoms, endoscopic findings, and imaging when available.