Fig. 1.

The substances produced by the endothelium are vasoactive compounds, growth factors, mediators of inflammation, adhesion molecules, proteins of the hemostatic system. Through this wide range of compounds the endothelium intervenes in the control of vascular homeostasis, inflammation, immunity, hemostasis and performs a number of important metabolic functions The invasion of endothelial cells (EC) by the virus and the release of inflammatory cytokines cause inflammation of the endothelium. The resulting endotheliitis is characterized by endothelial cell dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction causes a systemic condition in which the endothelium loses its physiological and functional properties, such as vasodilation, fibrinolysis, and antiplatelet. This induced endotheliitis may be responsible for tissue edema and the risk of thrombosis leading to organ damage in the COVID-19 patient