We aim to understand the mechanism of olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19.
In December 2019, a new coronavirus causing severe acute respiratory syndrome was
described in Wuhan, China. This virus, later named severe acute respiratory syndrome
coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), spread worldwide and has been designated a pandemic by the
World Health Organization.
By the beginning of March 2020, several Ear, Nose, Throat societies raised awareness of a
frequent association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and smell disorders.
In the present study, the investigators wish to begin to understand the pathogenesis of
olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19.
Other: Sampling of tissue
In all groups of participants, tissue from the nasal cavity and olfactory system will be
surgically removed
Inclusion Criteria:
- Deceased hospitalised patients, tested positive or negative for SARS-CoV-2 for
patient or control group respectively
Exclusion Criteria:
- none
UZ Leuven
Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium
Investigator: Laura Van Gerven, Doctor
Contact: +3216336342
laura.vangerven@uzleuven.be
Laura Van Gerven
+3216336342
laura.vangerven@uzleuven.be
Marnick Clijsters
+3216336342
marnick.clijsters@kuleuven.be
Laura Van Gerven, Principal Investigator
UZ/KU Leuven