Some of the first images of coronavirus affected lungs have been released from post-mortem examination of patients in China, showing high levels of viscous secretions in distal airways.
The report, published on the Journal of Forensic Medicine, cover autopsies carried out by a team led by forensic pathologist Professor Liu Liang of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, between February 16-24.
In his report published in the Journal of Forensic Medicine, Professor Liu says his most significant impressions of coronoavirus infection were that pulmonary fibrosis was less severe than with SARS coronavirus infection, but the symptoms of inflammation and thick exudate were more pronounced than with SARS.
He was quoted in Chinese state media as saying that coronavirus appeared to cause more deep airway and alveolar inflammatory damage than SARS.
However the damage to other organs was less apparent, though the findings were inconclusive because patients may have had co-morbid conditions.
Therefore clearing mucus in the small airways may an important aim of treatment goal. “This may affect whether tracheotomy is performed early to draw deep sputum plugs to assist respiratory support.”
A translation of the Chinese language report is provided here: