Managing severe warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia after the SARS-Cov- 2 vaccine with emergency splenectomy and eculizumab

Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) is rare but described after the SARS-CoV- 2 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. We present a case of severe refractory warm AIHA after this vaccine, managed with emergency splenectomy and complement inhibition with eculizumab. A male in his teens with a history of liver transplant for biliary atresia (aged 2 years) and AIHA (aged 6 years) presented to his district general hospital with jaundice, dark urine, fatigue and chest discomfort 48 h after the first dose of SARS-CoV- 2 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (BNT162b2 mRNA). Investigations revealed haemoglobin (Hb) of 70 g/L and bilirubin of 98 mumol/L, which was treated as AIHA. The patient initially responded to prednisolone (1 mg/kg, 60 mg) but subsequently deteriorated and failed to respond to second-line rituximab (375 mg/m2) and two units of packed red blood cells (PRBC). By day 29 the patient had developed life-threatening anaemia culminating in a Hb of 35 g/L (after transfusion), lactate dehydrogenase (LD) of 1293 units/L and bilirubin of 228 mumol/L. This necessitated an immediate transfer to our tertiary centre for specialist support. Further investigations revealed a haptoglobin <0.1 g/L and direct antiglobulin test (DAT) strongly positive for IgG (4+) and negative for C3d. The peripheral blood film showed severe anaemia, nucleated red cells, anisocytosis and spherocytes with no autoagglutination, schistocytes or platelet clumps. Thrombocytopaenia (platelets 49 +/- 109/L) was present. Differentials were ruled out, such as paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria and heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia. HIV and hepatitis serology were negative, as were adenovirus, cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus PCR assays. A CT showed splenomegaly of 15.5 cm. Urinalysis found urobilinogen and bilirubin at high concentrations and negative urinary haemosiderin. Together, the investigations were consistent with warm AIHA. On day 29, four units of PRBC were transfused alongside 100 mg methylprednisolone and 1 g/kg IVIG. On day 30 the patient deteriorated despite the escalated treatment: Hb had only increased to 54 g/L, bilirubin was 200 mumol/L and LD was rising. Considering this life-threatening fulminant haemolysis, an emergency splenectomy was performed. This slowed haemolysis but did not completely ameliorate it: by day 33 the patient had received 15 units of PRBC. Thus, eculizumab, a terminal complement pathway inhibitor, was trialled to arrest intravascular haemolysis, alongside rituximab, repeat IVIG 1 g/kg, prednisolone 40 mg and tacrolimus 2 mg. This showed a favourable response, requiring less frequent transfusions and settling haemolysis. This case highlights the rare complication of warm AIHA with the SARS-CoV- 2 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the use of emergency splenectomy for disease control, and the potential of eculizumab for refractory cases.

Nailfold Videocapillaroscopic Alterations as Markers of Microangiopathy in COVID-19 Patients.

Nailfold videocapillaroscopic alterations have been described in COVID-19, but their correlations with biomarkers of inflammation, coagulation and endothelial perturbation are still unclear, and no information is available on nailfold histopathology. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy was performed on fifteen patients with COVID-19 in Milan, Italy and the signs of microangiopathy were correlated with plasma biomarkers of inflammation (C reactive protein [CRP], ferritin), coagulation (D-dimer, fibrinogen), endothelial perturbation (Von Willebrand factor [VWF]) and angiogenesis (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) along with genetic drivers of COVID-19 susceptibility. Histopathological analysis of autoptic nailfold excisions was performed on fifteen patients who died for COVID-19 in New Orleans, United States. All COVID-19 patients studied with videocapillaroscopy showed alterations rarely seen in healthy individuals consistent with microangiopathy, such as hemosiderin deposits (sign of microthrombosis and microhemorrhages) and enlarged loops (sign of endotheliopathy). The number of hemosiderin deposits correlated both with ferritin and CRP levels (r = 0.67, p = 0.008 for both) and the number of enlarged loops significantly correlated with the levels of VWF (r = 0.67, p = 0.006). Ferritin levels were higher in non-O groups, determined by the rs657152 C > A cluster, (median 619, min-max 551-3266 mg/dL) than in the O group (373, 44-581 mg/dL, p = 0.006). Nailfold histology revealed microvascular damage, i.e., mild perivascular lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration and microvascular ectasia in the dermal vessels of all cases, and microthrombi within vessels in five cases. Alterations in nailfold videocapillaroscopy and elevated biomarkers of endothelial perturbation that match histopathologic findings open new perspectives in the possibility of non-invasively demonstrating microangiopathy in COVID-19.

Histomorphological Spectrum of Lung Lesions at Autopsy-A Tertiary Care Centre Experience

Background and aims: A wide variety of pathological conditions involve the lungs. In autopsy, the lungs are examined for disease, injury and other findings suggesting cause of death or related changes.Aims & Objectives: The present study aimed to study the histomorphological spectrum of lung lesions at autopsy and to assess the frequency of different types of lesions;and to associate histomorphological changes with cause of death.Material and Methods: It was a one-year observational study conducted in the Department of Pathology, Govt. Medical College, Jammu. Lung tissue pieces from all medicolegal autopsies received were fixed, examined grossly, processed;paraffin embedded sections obtained were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin stain and examined under microscope. Findings were recorded and tabulated. Result(s): Out of 264 cases, males were predominantly affected (84%);median age was 38 years. The various changes observed were congestion (68%), edema (45.4%), pneumonia (5%), granulomatous inflammation (3%), diffuse alveolar damage (1.5%), haemorrhage (14.4%), interstitial changes (60%), malaria (0.4%) and malignancy (0.4%). Natural deaths were the commonest cause (75, 28%) followed by asphyxial deaths (65, 24.6%). Conclusion(s): Histopathological examination of lung autopsies highlights many incidental findings, establishes underlying cause of death, serves as a learning tool and also holds scope for detection of newer diseases.Copyright © 2023 JK Science.

PATHOMORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME IN COMPETING LUNG DISEASES: COVID-19 AND SARCOIDOSIS

The COVID-19 pandemic is a worldwide problem. The clinical spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 infection varies from asymptomatic or paucity-symptomatic forms to conditions such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ failure. Objective was to describe a clinical case of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the patient with sarcoidosis and cardiovascular pathology developing acute respiratory syndrome and lung edema. Material and methods. There were analyzed accompanying medical documentation (outpatient chart, medical history), clinical and morphological histology data (description of macro- and micro-preparations) using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results. Lung histological examination revealed signs of diffuse alveolar damage such as hyaline membranes lining and following the contours of the alveolar walls. Areas of necrosis and desquamation of the alveolar epithelium in the form of scattered cells or layers, areas of hemorrhages and hemosiderophages are detected in the alveolar walls. In the lumen of the alveoli, a sloughed epithelium with a hemorrhagic component, few multinucleated cells, macrophages, protein masses, and accumulated edematous fluid were determined. Pulmonary vessels are moderately full-blooded, surrounded by perivascular infiltrates. Signs of lung sarcoidosis were revealed. Histological examination found epithelioid cell granulomas consisting of mononuclear phagocytes and lymphocytes, without signs of necrosis. Granulomas with a proliferative component and hemorrhage sites were determined. Giant cells with cytoplasmic inclusions were detected — asteroid corpuscles and Schauman corpuscles. Non-caseous granulomas consisting of clusters of epithelioid histiocytes and giant Langhans cells surrounded by lymphocytes were detected in the lymph nodes of the lung roots. Hamazaki–Wesenberg corpuscles inside giant cells were found in the zones of peripheral sinuses of lymph nodes. In the lumen of the bronchi, there was found fully exfoliated epithelium, mucus. Granulomas are mainly observed subendothelially on the mucous membrane, without caseous necrosis. Histological examination of the cardiovascular system revealed fragmentation of some cardiomyocytes, cardiomyocyte focal hypertrophy along with moderate interstitial edema, erythrocyte sludge. Zones of small focal sclerosis were determined. The vessels of the microcirculatory bed are anemic, with hypertrophy of the walls in small arteries and arterioles. Virological examination of the sectional material in the lungs revealed SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Conclusion. Based on the data of medical documentation and the results of a post-mortem examination, it follows that the cause of death of the patient R.A., 50 years old, was a new coronavirus infection COVID-19 that resulted in bilateral total viral pneumonia. Сo-morbidity with competing diseases such as lung sarcoidosis and cardiovascular diseases aggravated the disease course, led to the development of early ARDS and affected the lethal outcome. © 2022 Saint Petersburg Pasteur Institute. All rights reserved.

PATHOMORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME IN COMPETING LUNG DISEASES: COVID-19 AND SARCOIDOSIS

The COVID-19 pandemic is a worldwide problem. The clinical spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 infection varies from asymptomatic or paucity-symptomatic forms to conditions such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ failure. Objective was to describe a clinical case of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the patient with sarcoidosis and cardiovascular pathology developing acute respiratory syndrome and lung edema. Material and methods. There were analyzed accompanying medical documentation (outpatient chart, medical history), clinical and morphological histology data (description of macro- and micro-preparations) using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results. Lung histological examination revealed signs of diffuse alveolar damage such as hyaline membranes lining and following the contours of the alveolar walls. Areas of necrosis and desquamation of the alveolar epithelium in the form of scattered cells or layers, areas of hemorrhages and hemosiderophages are detected in the alveolar walls. In the lumen of the alveoli, a sloughed epithelium with a hemorrhagic component, few multinucleated cells, macrophages, protein masses, and accumulated edematous fluid were determined. Pulmonary vessels are moderately full-blooded, surrounded by perivascular infiltrates. Signs of lung sarcoidosis were revealed. Histological examination found epithelioid cell granulomas consisting of mononuclear phagocytes and lymphocytes, without signs of necrosis. Granulomas with a proliferative component and hemorrhage sites were determined. Giant cells with cytoplasmic inclusions were detected — asteroid corpuscles and Schauman corpuscles. Non-caseous granulomas consisting of clusters of epithelioid histiocytes and giant Langhans cells surrounded by lymphocytes were detected in the lymph nodes of the lung roots. Hamazaki–Wesenberg corpuscles inside giant cells were found in the zones of peripheral sinuses of lymph nodes. In the lumen of the bronchi, there was found fully exfoliated epithelium, mucus. Granulomas are mainly observed subendothelially on the mucous membrane, without caseous necrosis. Histological examination of the cardiovascular system revealed fragmentation of some cardiomyocytes, cardiomyocyte focal hypertrophy along with moderate interstitial edema, erythrocyte sludge. Zones of small focal sclerosis were determined. The vessels of the microcirculatory bed are anemic, with hypertrophy of the walls in small arteries and arterioles. Virological examination of the sectional material in the lungs revealed SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Conclusion. Based on the data of medical documentation and the results of a post-mortem examination, it follows that the cause of death of the patient R.A., 50 years old, was a new coronavirus infection COVID-19 that resulted in bilateral total viral pneumonia. Сo-morbidity with competing diseases such as lung sarcoidosis and cardiovascular diseases aggravated the disease course, led to the development of early ARDS and affected the lethal outcome.

PATHOMORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME IN COMPETING LUNG DISEASES: COVID-19 AND SARCOIDOSIS.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a worldwide problem. The clinical spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 infection varies from asymptomatic or paucity-symptomatic forms to conditions such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ failure. Objective was to describe a clinical case of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the patient with sarcoidosis and cardiovascular pathology developing acute respiratory syndrome and lung edema. Material and methods. There were analyzed accompanying medical documentation (outpatient chart, medical history), clinical and morphological histology data (description of macro- and micro-preparations) using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results. Lung histological examination revealed signs of diffuse alveolar damage such as hyaline membranes lining and following the contours of the alveolar walls. Areas of necrosis and desquamation of the alveolar epithelium in the form of scattered cells or layers, areas of hemorrhages and hemosiderophages are detected in the alveolar walls. In the lumen of the alveoli, a sloughed epithelium with a hemorrhagic component, few multinucleated cells, macrophages, protein masses, and accumulated edematous fluid were determined. Pulmonary vessels are moderately full-blooded, surrounded by perivascular infiltrates. Signs of lung sarcoidosis were revealed. Histological examination found epithelioid cell granulomas consisting of mononuclear phagocytes and lymphocytes, without signs of necrosis. Granulomas with a proliferative component and hemorrhage sites were determined. Giant cells with cytoplasmic inclusions were detected - asteroid corpuscles and Schauman corpuscles. Non-caseous granulomas consisting of clusters of epithelioid histiocytes and giant Langhans cells surrounded by lymphocytes were detected in the lymph nodes of the lung roots. Hamazaki-Wesenberg corpuscles inside giant cells were found in the zones of peripheral sinuses of lymph nodes. In the lumen of the bronchi, there was found fully exfoliated epithelium, mucus. Granulomas are mainly observed subendothelially on the mucous membrane, without caseous necrosis. Histological examination of the cardiovascular system revealed fragmentation of some cardiomyocytes, cardiomyocyte focal hypertrophy along with moderate interstitial edema, erythrocyte sludge. Zones of small focal sclerosis were determined. The vessels of the microcirculatory bed are anemic, with hypertrophy of the walls in small arteries and arterioles. Virological examination of the sectional material in the lungs revealed SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Conclusion. Based on the data of medical documentation and the results of a post-mortem examination, it follows that the cause of death of the patient R.A., 50 years old, was a new coronavirus infection COVID-19 that resulted in bilateral total viral pneumonia. So-morbidity with competing diseases such as lung sarcoidosis and cardiovascular diseases aggravated the disease course, led to the development of early ARDS and affected the lethal outcome. Copyright © 2022 Saint Petersburg Pasteur Institute. All rights reserved.

A CASE OF GRANULOMATOSIS WITH POLYANGIITIS

SESSION TITLE: Critical Systemic Disease Case Report Posters SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 12:45 pm - 01:45 pm INTRODUCTION: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis(GPA) is an autoimmune small vessel vasculitis that is included in the group of anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody(ANCA)- associated small vessel vasculitides (AAVs). GPA is a systemic disease, however acronym ELK is used to describe the most common involvement of Ear, nose, throat, Lungs, and Kidneys. We report a case of GPA, highlighting its presentation. CASE PRESENTATION: 59-year old female presented with vaginal bleeding, malaise, blurry vision, non productive cough and shortness of breath few days after receiving COVID-19 vaccine. Physical exam was remarkable for bilateral conjunctival injection with right sided ptosis and inguinal lymphadenopathy. Laboratory findings were significant for acute kidney injury and anemia. Computed tomography (CT) of chest revealed bilateral bronchovascular nodules and masses with interlobular septal thickening and enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. Fine needle aspiration of left inguinal lymph node was negative for malignancy. Bronchoscopy with bronchial brush revealed alveolar hemorrhage with capillaritis;bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL) showed hemosiderin laden macrophages. Tissue biopsy was negative for malignancy. Testing for pulmonary renal syndrome was positive for C-ANCA and proteinase-3 (PR-3) antibodies. Anti-GBM antibody and anti-MPO antibody was negative. Plasmapheresis (PLEX) and pulse dose steroids were initiated however the patient was unable to tolerate the treatment. Her clinical condition continued to decline requiring multiple pressors, broad spectrum antibiotics and continuous renal replacement therapy. She was transitioned to comfort care per family's wishes and passed away. DISCUSSION: GPA is a rare necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis of small to medium sized vessels that can affect any organ but mainly involves the upper and lower respiratory tract. Necrotizing glomerulonephritis is common. Pulmonary involvement can include consolidation, tracheal or subglottic stenosis, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, pleural effusion and interstitial lung disease. Lymphadenopathy, as seen in our patient is a rare presentation. Tissue biopsy is crucial for the diagnosis. Association with PR-3 ANCA is seen in more than 80% of GPA patients. Cases of AAVs after administration of COVID vaccine have been reported in the literature, although it is difficult to demonstrate causal relationship. Treatment of GPA with immunosuppression, usually corticosteroids, rituximab or cyclophosphamide, is recommended. The role of PLEX continues to evolve with emerging data, but use of this therapy is reasonable for patients with severe kidney injury and DAH secondary to active vasculitis refractory to immunosuppressive therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis of GPA is challenging as it can mimic metastatic lung malignancy. It should be considered in a broad range of differentials when evaluating patients presenting with pulmonary nodules. Reference #1: Greco A, Marinelli C, Fusconi M, Macri GF, Gallo A, De Virgilio A, Zambetti G, de Vincentiis M. Clinic manifestations in granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2016 Jun;29(2):151-9. doi: 10.1177/0394632015617063. Epub 2015 Dec 18. PMID: 26684637;PMCID: PMC5806708. Reference #2: Kitching, A. R., Anders, H. J., Basu, N., Brouwer, E., Gordon, J., Jayne, D. R., Kullman, J., Lyons, P. A., Merkel, P. A., Savage, C., Specks, U., & Kain, R. (2020). ANCA-associated vasculitis. Nature reviews. Disease primers, 6(1), 71. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-020-0204-y Reference #3: Szymanowska-Narloch, A., Gawryluk, D., Błasińska-Przerwa, K., & Siemińska, A. (2019). Atypical manifestations of granulomatosis with polyangiitis: the diagnostic challenge for pulmonologists. Advances in respiratory medicine, 87(6), 244–253. https://doi.org/10.5603/ARM.2019.0062 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Sean Davidson No relevant relationships by Eric Flenaugh No relevant relationships by Marilyn Foreman No relevant relationships by KOMAL KAUR No relevant relationships by Gabriela Oprea-Ilies

Isolated pauci-immune pulmonary capillaritis associated with an extensive bilateral hemothorax and pleuro-pericarditis

Introduction: Isolated pauci-immune pulmonary capillaritis (IPIPC) is a rare disorder characterized by small vessel vasculitis limited to alveolar capillaries in the absence of systemic manifestations. There are very few case reports of this disorder in the medical literature. Case Report: A 37-yo male with no known history of autoimmune pathology who was admitted to the hospital for evaluation and treatment of dyspnea and thoracalgia. Peripheral blood cultures, serum studies to detect Legionella and Pneumococcus antigens, and a nasopharyngeal swab test for covid-19 were all negative. Chest imaging revealed bilateral pleural effusions from the base to the apices with concomitant atelectasis of the adjacent lung parenchyma. Although the results of an 18F-PET-CT scan revealed no pathological uptake, video-assisted thoracoscopy revealed diffusely edematous pleura with crater-like patches with new onset of venous vessel varicosities, intra-alveolar hemorrhages associated with disordered vascularization, suggesting small vessel vasculitis. Histologic findings included widespread intra-alveolar hemorrhage with organizing injury, hemosiderin-laden macrophages, scattered intra-arterial thrombi, and diffuse perivascular neutrophilic infiltrates consistent with a diagnosis of capillaritis. Conclusions: Given the negative immune studies (save for a weakly-positive lupus anticoagulant and no evidence for extra-pulmonary vasculitis, the diagnosis was Isolated pauci-immune pulmonary capillaritis. The patient recovered in response to immunosuppressive/anti-inflammatory therapy.

PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE KIDNEYS IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE RENAL INJURY DUE TO CORONAVIRUS INFECTION

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Acute kidney injury (AKI) in coronavirus infection (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is much more common than previously thought and is associated with severe disease and high mortality. Despite the fact that the respiratory and immune systems are the main targets of the COVID- 19 virus, AKI is also observed, identified by the occurrence of proteinuria or hematuria, an increase in serum urea and creatinine levels. The aim of the study is to assess the pathomorphological changes in the kidneys in 100 cases of autopsy of patients with COVID-19 using light microscopy and immunohistochemical diagnostic methods in order to clarify the possible mechanism of AKI. METHODS: The study was carried out using samples obtained from 100 patients, the time interval of the onset of the disease corresponded to the 4th wave of the peak of the incidence in Russia (from June 2021). The age of patients varied from 37 to 94 years 72 (s =12.5), men - 34, women - 66. Patients with chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus and cancer were not included in the analysis. The cause of death in all cases was acute respiratory failure, histologically defined as diffuse alveolar injury. AKI in accordance with the KDIGO criteria was detected in 34 patients. RESULTS: On light microscopy, diffuse massive damage to the proximal tubules with loss of the brush border, degeneration of vacuoles was detected in 46 patients, massive necrosis of the tubules in 11 patients. In 65 patients, an extremely pronounced congestion of paretic dilated vessels with widespread paravasal hemorrhages was revealed. Paravasal lymphoid infiltration of the vascular endothelium was detected in 27 patients. Severe sludge syndrome in small and medium-sized vessels in 46 patients. In almost all cases, hemosiderin granules and hyaline casts were found. The quantitative and qualitative composition of tissue macrophages corresponded to the population data, without visible correlations with the disease. CONCLUSIONS: According to the study, the factors contributing to AKI include systemic hypoxia, abnormal coagulation, increased catabolism due to fever, drug-related rhabdomyolysis or hyperventilation with increased serum degradation products. Thus, our research provides evidence for AKI during the progression of COVID-10. These results contribute to a better understanding of the course and progression of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection.

Pathology of Double Lung Transplantation of 12 Cases Following COVID-19

Background: Pulmonary failure is one of the major causes of death in COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) patients. Lung transplantation has been evolving to rescue those patients' lives with promising success. Explanted native lungs post COVID-19 are valuable to understand the long-term pulmonary pathology of this deadly disease, as currently available data is very limited. Design: Lung transplantation cases post COVID-19 were collected through the pathology database in our institution from January 2020 through September 2021. Patient clinical courses, CT imaging data prior to transplantation and pathological findings are evaluated. Results: The cohort consisted of 12 male patients with a median age of 46.5 years (range 24 - 67). Co-morbidities were present in 6 patients including obesity, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. No prior known pulmonary specific disease was present in any of the patients. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was used in 10 of 12 patients for 54 - 130 days. CT imaging pretransplantation showed extensive bilateral consolidation (5 cases), extensive bilateral ground-glass (3 cases) or extensive infiltration/air space disease (4 cases). All patients survived post double lung transplantation (including one patient with concurrent heart transplantation) and no significant pathologic alteration was identified on most recent surveillance biopsies (26 - 183 days post transplantation). The most prominent pathological finding in the explanted lungs is nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP)- like interstitial fibrosis (100%, 12 cases). Other findings include collections of numerous hemosiderin-laden macrophages (8 cases), patchy diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) (hyaline membrane formation and/or organizing DAD) (5 cases), intrapulmonary small vessel thrombosis (5 cases), organizing pneumonia (5 cases), necrosis (2 cases), calcifications (5 cases), acute pneumonia (3 cases), peribronchiolar metaplasia (8 cases), and microscopic honeycombing (8 cases). No viral cytopathic changes were seen. The pathologic findings of the two patients who did not receive ECMO are similar to those in patients with variable length of ECMO treatment. Conclusions: Lung transplantation is a successful treatment option for eligible candidates with pulmonary fibrosis and failure post COVID-19. NSIP-like interstitial fibrosis is a universal finding, consistent with a sequala of DAD. A spectrum of acute, subacute, vascular and airway-related changes are also prominent findings in respiratory failure post COVID-19.

Quantitative, semi-quantitative and qualitative nailfold videocapillaroscopy assessment of microvascular involvement in pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome temporally associated with SARS-COV-2

Introduction: Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (VCP) is an in vivo, noninvasive, rapid, and inexpensive imaging technique that allows quantitative assessment of microcirculation. Pediatric Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children temporally associated with COVID-19 (MIS-C) affects small, medium and large vessels. Nailfold capillaroscopy findings as pericapillary edema, meandering capillaries and reduced capillary density has been described in adults patients with COVID-19. Case report shows non specific alterations however quantitative microcirculatory impairment has not been clearly documented in MIS-C. Objectives: To describe qualitative and semi-quantitative and quantitative nailfold videocapillaroscopy assessment in Mexican patients with pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2. Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional observational study that analyzed 40 images from 5 patients with Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome according the case definition published by Cattalini et al. VCP was performed by the same examiner (AVT), images were obtained from all fingers except thumbs of both hands using a videocapillaroscope equipped with a 200x optical probe. The images were collected, coded, and stored using OptiPix software (version 1.7.16), 2015 Optilia Instruments. Qualitative and semi-quantitative assessment were realized according Cutolo classification. Quantitative assessment consist in the measurement of the number of capillaries per millimeter, capillary loop length, capillary width in micron (μm). Results: 2 patients had coronary abnormalities, 1 valvular insufficiency, 1 myocarditis all patients received intravenous Immunoglobulin. 40 images of 5 patients with MIS-C (Image 1) were included in this series, all patients with Hispanic ethnicity and 60% male (n=5). The qualitative assessment did no reveal images with normal capillaroscopy pattern, nonspecific alterations were found in 100%, no pictures suggestive of sleroderma pattern-like have been observed. The semi-quantitative and quantitative assessment. Lower capillary density (4.8 capillaries/mm), increased capillary width in all patients 2nd Left medium 24.6μm, moderate edema in 90% (n= 36) of images, altered architecture 75% (n=30), peri-capillary stripping hemosiderin deposits probably due capillary leak 60% (n=24), tortuous capillaries 40%(n=16), bizzare capillaries 40% (n=16), meandering 75%(n=30) and irregular ectasias 90% (n=36). Conclusion: This study found qualitative and quantitative abnormalities in VCP suggesting systemic microvascular damage. Further studies are needed to asses the clinical relevance of VCP and its relationship with cardiac alterations and multisystemic damage in MIS-C.

Microvascular involvement in long-term CoViD-19: usefulness of nailfold videocapillaroscopy

Background: Endothelial dysfunction represents a key pathophysiological factor in CoViD-19. A significant proportion of patients (pts) who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 continue to have symptoms for a long time (long-term CoViD-19). Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) is nowadays considered one of the best diagnostic techniques of non-invasive imaging, able to study the microcirculation in vivo. The aim of our study was to assess microvasculature by means of NVC in long-term CoViD-19 pts. Methods: We examined 18 pts (12 F and 6 M), aged 53.9 years (range 29-84) with recent diagnosis of CoViD-19 and two successive oropharyngeal swabs resulted negative for the SARS-CoV-2 genome, hospitalized in our ward for other acute pathologies or related to our NVC clinic. The control group consisted of 20 healthy subjects without previous or current SARS-CoV-2 infection with overlapping demographic characteristics. We used a VideoCap 3.0 (DS Medica), equipped with 200x optics to evaluate microcirculation and its elementary alterations. Results: Long-term CoViD-19 pts, compared to control subjects, showed a higher prevalence of meandering capillaries, enlarged capillaries, loss of capillaries, hemosiderin deposits expression of micro-hemorrhages and micro-thrombosis, sludge flow and pericapillary edema. Conclusions: Long-term CoViD-19 pts present greater microvascular abnormalities at NVC compared to healthy subjects. However, further studies with larger case series are needed to assess the clinical relevance of NVC in long-term CoViD-19.