Circulating endothelial progenitors are increased in COVID‐19 patients and correlate with SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in severe cases

BackgroundDuring the course of COVID‐19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), thrombotic phenomena and/or diffuse vascular damage are frequent, and viral elements have been observed within endothelial cells.ObjectivesCD146 + circulating endothelial cells (CD146 + CECs) and their progenitors (CEPs) are increased in cardiovascular, thrombotic, infectious, and cancer diseases. The...