COVID-associated pathomorphological changes in the gastric mucosa during gastrointestinal bleeding

Aim. Analysis of morphological changes in the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract that developed against the background of COVID-19-associated pneumonia, accompanied by bleeding.

Methods. The study included 72 cases of erosive and ulcerative gastroduodenal bleeding with complicated Covid-pneumonia. The patients were treated at the University Clinical Hospital No. 4 of Sechenov Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University) from April 2020 to March 2022.

Results. Morphological examination of biopsies from the gastrointestinal tract has provided irrefutable evidence of both direct and indirect effects of the SARS-CoV2 virus on cells of the gastrointestinal mucosa.

Conclusion. The gastric mucosa in COVID-19 patients is exposed to the virus, which leads to erosive and ulcerative changes in it, leading to bleeding. This is simultaneously facilitated by anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory therapy given to such patients. These complications must be anticipated and prevented in a timely manner.

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