JOURNAL ARTICLE

Lethal gastrointestinal manifestations of COVID-19 infection at autopsy.

  • Published In: Medicine, Science & the Law, 2025, v. 65, n. 4. P. 351 1 of 3

  • Database: Business Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Gilbert, John D; Wills, Stephen; Byard, Roger W 3 of 3

Abstract

This article focuses on COVID-19-associated acute mesenteric ischaemia, a rare but highly fatal condition particularly affecting elderly patients. It presents two fatal cases where patients with COVID-19 developed intestinal ischaemia characterized by microvascular fibrin thrombi without large vessel occlusion, leading to multi-organ failure. The findings highlight that despite common gastrointestinal symptoms in COVID-19, lethal intestinal complications are often overlooked, and diagnosis requires careful histological examination and viral testing at autopsy. The article emphasizes considering COVID-19 in unexplained intestinal ischaemia cases, especially when major mesenteric arteries are patent, to better understand and identify this complication.

Additional Information

  • Source:Medicine, Science & the Law. 2025/10, Vol. 65, Issue 4, p351
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Health and Medicine
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0025-8024
  • DOI:10.1177/00258024251348724
  • Accession Number:188669671
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