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Endothelial Dysfunction in COVID-19 patients assessed with Endo-PAT2000
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  • Giuliana Cimino,
  • Enrico Vizzardi,
  • Emiliano Calvi,
  • Edoardo Pancaldi,
  • Greta Pascariello,
  • Nicola Bernardi,
  • Riccardo Inciardi,
  • Riccardo Raddino,
  • Carlo Lombardi,
  • marco metra
Giuliana Cimino
University of Brescia
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Enrico Vizzardi
University of Brescia

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Emiliano Calvi
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Edoardo Pancaldi
University of Brescia
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Greta Pascariello
University of Brescia
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Nicola Bernardi
University of Brescia
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Riccardo Inciardi
University of Brescia
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Riccardo Raddino
University of Brescia
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Carlo Lombardi
University of Brescia
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marco metra
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Abstract

Background: It has been widely reported that the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) attaches human cells by using the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, but vascular impairment described during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is primarily due to the direct involvement of the endothelial cells by the virus or secondarily to the inflammatory host response is currently unknown. Methods: We therefore aimed to demonstrate in vivo the presence of endothelial dysfunction in six COVID-19 patients without cardiovascular risk factors or pre-existing cardiac condition, using the Endo-PAT 2000, a device able to measure endothelial vasodilation function in a rapid and non-invasive way. Results: Four patients were positive for endothelial dysfunction, with RHI values between 1.13-1.56 (average value 1.32, normal values >1.67); in one of the two negative patients the reported RHI value was slightly above the cutoff (1.72). Conclusion: Our findings confirm that COVID-19 patients are at higher risk of developing endothelial dysfunction. In addition, our results demonstrate that endothelial impairment may occur even in the absence of cardiovascular risk factors.