Potentials of post-mortem CT (PMCT) in paediatric cases related to SARS-CoV-2 infection

Abstract

We read the paper by Khairwa and Jat [1] with great interest. The authors demonstrated that the lungs are predominantly affected by COVID-19, with diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) as the most frequent histological pattern (78.3%), likewise to adults.To this regard, we would like to discuss the promising role of post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) in paediatric deaths related to SARS-CoV-2 infection.Recently, post-mortem imaging has been proposed as a useful investigative method alongside classical, invasive autopsy, particularly in paediatrics, because of ethical and religious reasons [2,3].PMCT studies on paediatric deaths related to SARS-CoV-2 infections have never been reported in the literature. Conversely, the value of PMCT in the study of adult cadavers with SARS-CoV-2 infection has been well acknowledged [4].The literature on PMCT imaging in adults with SARS-CoV-2 showed that the lungs are the most affected organ. The most common findings are bilateral, mixed pattern of ground glass opacities, and/or consolidations, in a diffuse or a peripheral distribution [4], the most severe cases with prevalence of diffuse consolidations, resembling the histopathological pathway of severe DAD [4].PMCT in adult SARS-CoV-2-positive cases has been pro-

Improving Traditional Post Mortem Healthcare—The Cross-Sectional Use of Blood-Based Biomarkers

“…For instance, post mortem cardiac magnetic resonance imaging offers a better insight into the cardiovascular diseases responsible for sudden cardiac death (SCD) [54]. Forensic pathologists can benefit from these tools, even when an autopsy, fluid analysis, and DNA sampling are required [55,56]. In most countries, at minimum post mortem Computed Tomography (PMCT) imaging is regarded as accessible, reproducible, reliable, and easy to implement.…”