PATHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF LESIONS OF THE CHOROID OF THE EYEBALL IN COVID-19 ASSOCIATED CAVERNOUS SINUS THROMBOSIS

Abstract

Introduction. Among the most significant ophthalmic diseases, the development, course and outcome of which is directly affected by coronavirus infection, a special place is occupied by COVID-19 associated cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST), a significant increase in the incidence of which is observed in some regions of the world, which requires a comprehensive study of this pathology.

Purpose. To study the pathomorphological features of damage to the choroid of the eyeball in COVID-19 associated CST.

Methods. The tissue of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid obtained after enucleation of the eyeball served as the material. Histological sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin.

Results. Pathological examination revealed the presence of signs of a specific inflammatory process in the vessels of the choroid in the form of lymphocytic infiltration. In the lumen of the vessels, signs of vasculitis and the formation of mixed-type thrombosis were determined. The lesion mostly affected the interstitium of the vessels.

Conclusion. The established changes may be a sign of a specific viral lesion and indicate that the development of the necrotic process could be mediated by an autoimmune mechanism as a result of exposure to the pathogen.