Close collaboration between pathologists and intensivists to understand (not just) coronavirus disease

Abstract

Despite improvements in imaging and diagnostic procedures in critically ill patients presenting with organ failure, uncertainty often exists with regard to the exact diagnosis and a corresponding targeted therapy. Recent studies have demonstrated an error rate of up to 44% in diagnosis after autopsy [1]. The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)—especially the associated severe acute respiratory syndrome—led to a rush of critically ill patients to intensive care units, which were neither prepared in terms of staff and logistic demands nor in terms of specific knowledge of such a new disease.