Comprehensive Imaging Exam of Convalesced COVID-19 Patients
United States206 participantsStarted 2020-10-14
Plain-language summary
COVID-19 is a systemic inflammatory disease involving many organs including the lungs, vascular system liver and myocardium that lead to severe pathologies. Patients with severe cardiopulmonary symptoms usually require weeks to months to fully recover. Studies of clinical and subclinical impairments of COVID-19 patients are important for medical practice and public health as well as providing pathogenic insight to the viral infection and secondary immune response. Chronic damage of vital organs and systems, and the potential long-term effects is of serious concern. In this study the investigators plan to quantify and characterize chronic consequences of COVID-19 in individuals who receive similar medical care related to disease severity and duration in a single health care system. Using state-of-the-art Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology, we will study the pathology in major organ systems in comparison to matched controls. The results of this study may facilitate measures to prevent, detect, and manage complications from COVID-19 infections.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age: 18+
* Diagnosed with COVID-19 at any point starting March 2020.
* Subgroup A: hospitalized due to COVID-19 infection
* Subgroup B: non-hospitalized
Exclusion Criteria:
* Known allergy to either gadolinium or iodine based contrast agents
* Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) \<45 mL/min (using the Cockcroft-Gault formula)
* Pregnancy
* Internal electrical devices, such as cochlear implant, spinal cord stimulator, pacemaker, or defibrillator
* Atrial fibrillation, uncontrolled tachyarrhythmia or advanced atrioventricular block (2nd or 3rd degree) at time of imaging
* Evidence of severe symptomatic heart failure (NYHA Class III or IV) at the time of imaging
* Other acute illness
* Ongoing mechanical ventilation related to hospitalization for COVID-19 related illness
* Presence of any other history or condition that the investigator feels would be problematic
* Weight exceeding 300 lbs (MRI table weight restrictions)
* Severe claustrophobia
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial focused on imaging people who had recovered from COVID-19 to measure lung fibrosis — if I've had COVID-19 and still have lingering symptoms, would it be worth discussing whether I should get similar imaging to see if fibrosis could be contributing to my symptoms?
2Since this study is already completed, would the published findings about the degree and extent of fibrosis in long-haul COVID patients change anything about how you would evaluate or monitor my lungs after COVID-19?
3The trial was specifically looking at 'convalesced' COVID-19 patients — meaning those who had already recovered to some degree — does that match my situation, and if so, what do the emerging findings suggest about how common or serious post-COVID fibrosis actually is?
4Given that this was an imaging-focused observational study rather than a treatment trial, what would the next steps look like if imaging did show signs of fibrosis in my case — are there standard treatments or other trials I should know about?
5Since recruitment is completed and there's no experimental treatment involved here, is there any way to access the results or findings from this study that might be relevant to managing my long-haul COVID symptoms?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Degree and extent of fibrosis
Timeframe: Analyzed within 6 months of study completion