This prospective study aims to investigate the association between pericardialhistopathologic inflammation grades (acute, chronic, or absent) and COVID-19seropositivity in adult patients undergoing first-time isolated coronary artery bypassgrafting (CABG). Pericardial tissue samples were collected during surgery and evaluatedhistopathologically, while preoperative COVID-19 serological testing was performed. Theprimary outcome is to determine whether COVID-19 seropositivity is associated with theseverity of pericardial inflammation. Patients with prior cardiac surgery, activeCOVID-19 infection, systemic inflammatory diseases, chronic immunosuppressive therapy, ormalignancy were excluded from the study.
Not Provided
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age ≥20 years
- Undergoing first-time isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
- Availability of pericardial tissue sample for histopathological analysis
- Preoperative COVID-19 serological testing performed
- Written informed consent obtained
Exclusion Criteria:
- Previous history of cardiac surgery (e.g., prior CABG, valve surgery)
- Concomitant cardiac procedures during the same operation (e.g., valve repair, aortic
surgery)
- Active COVID-19 infection at the time of surgery (positive PCR test)
- Known autoimmune or systemic inflammatory diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid
arthritis)
- Chronic immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., steroids, biologics)
- Known malignancy at the time of surgery
Insufficient or inadequate pericardial tissue sample for histopathological assessment
Samsun University Faculty of Medicine
Samsun, Turkey
emrah ereren, Study Chair
samsun university Faculty of medicine