These autopsy findings from a study of the remains of #COVID19 victims in NYC are HUGELY important and revelatory not just about coronavirus deaths—but also about the damage #SARSCoV2 is possibly leaving in the bodies of survivors.

1/x https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/10/health/what-coronavirus-autopsies-reveal/index.html

We’ve known bizarrely excessive blood clotting is a hallmark of #COVID19 since early on.

What this study definitively shows is that the clotting extends beyond large blood vessels and is present even in smaller vessels as well.

Stay with me here...

2/x
https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/10/health/what-coronavirus-autopsies-reveal/index.html

Not only is the clotting present in smaller blood vessels, the clotting was found in almost EVERY organ the researchers looked at within the autopsies.

Not just the organ or organs thought to relate directly to cause of death, but almost EVERY organ.

3/x
https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/10/health/what-coronavirus-autopsies-reveal/index.html

Why is clotting happening throughout the body in both large and small vessels and almost every organ studied?

Because a certain type of cell was ALSO found to be present throughout the body: megakaryocytes.

These are usually confined to bone marrow.

4/x
https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/10/health/what-coronavirus-autopsies-reveal/index.html

Megakaryocytes are important. They produce the platelets that enable blood to clot.

Not enough of them and you’ll bleed to death, but too many of them can lead to something called DIC, or disseminated intravascular coagulation—a severe and previously rare medical disorder.

5/x

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is so rare that there are usually fewer than 20,000 cases in the US annually.

Now, however, it appears that DIC is—at a minimum—a part of the spectrum of responses that #SARSCoV2 initiates in those infected with the virus.

6/x

The Lancet recently published research on the incidence of DIC among those with #COVID19:

“Coagulopathy [blood clotting disorder] is a non-negligible com- plication and potentially important cause of death in patients with critical COVID-19.”

7/x
https://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S2352-3026%2820%2930217-9

Above I said DIC is “at a minimum” part of the spectrum of responses that #SARSCoV2 causes.

What I mean is it’s also *possible* it’s actually a central driver behind the disease process.

#COVID19 is looking less like a respiratory disorder and more like a blood disorder.

8/x

But I want to go back to the initial point of this thread, which isn’t how the disease kills but rather the damage it leaves behind in survivors.
If clotting is present throughout the bodies of the dead, is it possible those who survive are left with undiagnosed organ damage?
9/x

I would argue the answer is yes and urgent research is needed.

Damage in unexpected places was found in autopsies because they *looked* in unexpected places.

For survivors, however, damage will become evident when they suffer unexpected health complications or crises.

10/10

Addendum:

No matter how many people die of this disease—and the number is already unbearable—MANY more people will survive it.

It’s urgent we learn as much as we can about the long-term impact so survivors can both receive the necessary support and be aware of potential risks.