COVID-19: Postmortem Diagnostic and Biosafety Considerations.
Am J Forensic Med Pathol
; 41(3): 143-151, 2020 Sep.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-215983
ABSTRACT
As a result of the 2019 novel human coronavirus (COVID-19) global spread, medical examiner/coroner offices will inevitably encounter increased numbers of COVID-19-infected decedents at autopsy. While in some cases a history of fever and/or respiratory distress (eg, cough or shortness of breath) may suggest the diagnosis, epidemiologic studies indicate that the majority of individuals infected with COVID-19 develop mild to no symptoms. Those dying with-but not of-COVID-19 may still be infectious, however. While multiple guidelines have been issued regarding autopsy protocol in cases of suspected COVID-19 deaths, there is some variability in the recommendations. Additionally, limited recommendations to date have been issued regarding scene investigative protocol, and there is a paucity of publications characterizing COVID-19 postmortem gross and histologic findings. A case of sudden unexpected death due to COVID-19 is presented as a means of illustrating common autopsy findings, as well as diagnostic and biosafety considerations. We also review and summarize the current COVID-19 literature in an effort to provide practical evidence-based biosafety guidance for medical examiner-coroner offices encountering COVID-19 at autopsy.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Pneumonia, Viral
/
Autopsy
/
Coronavirus Infections
/
Containment of Biohazards
/
Betacoronavirus
Type of study:
Case report
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
/
Middle aged
Country/Region as subject:
North America
Language:
English
Journal:
Am J Forensic Med Pathol
Year:
2020
Document Type:
Article
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