Histopathological features in advanced abdominal pregnancies co-infected with SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 infections: A case evaluation

Abstract

Objectives

This study aims to provide a semi-qualitative histopathological report of the dual SARS-CoV-2 and HIV infected placentae in the third trimester of Advanced Abdominal Pregnancy (AAP).

Study design

Four AAP placentae in the third trimester of pregnancy (two positive for HIV-1 and two positives for SARS-CoV-2) were histologically examined.

Results

The SARS-CoV-2⁺ HIV⁺ placentae were dysmorphic in shape compared to the flattened disc-like shape noted in the SARS-CoV-2⁺HIV^-, SARS-CoV-2^-HIV⁺and SARS-CoV-2^-HIV^- placentae. Diffused syncytial knots and syncytial degeneration were observed in all placentae. Intermittent cytotrophoblast increase, perivillous and intravillous fibrin deposition, mononuclear inflammatory cells with widespread degeneration/necrosis of the syncytiotrophoblast and microcalcification were pronounced in the SARS-CoV-2⁺HIV⁺ compared to the SARS-CoV-2⁺HIV^- placentae. Vascular pathological changes included thrombi, ectasis, mural hypertrophy and atherotic vessels.

Conclusion

Elevated syncytial trophoblast injury, villitis, microcalcifications and mineralisation of the syncytial basement membrane in the AAP placentae may be due to SARS-CoV-2 viral transgression instead of HIV infection alone. Vascular malperfusion is suggestive of a hypoxic insult arising from a compensatory response to meet the fetal oxygen and nutrient demands of an AAP. Placentae from HIV infected women on antiretroviral treatment were characterised by vascular malperfusion.