Comprehensive Imaging Exam of Convalesced COVID-19 Patients

Not Applicable

• Conditions: COVID Long-Haul; COVID-19
• Interventions: Other: Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Other: Ultra-High Resolution Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

• Registration Number: NCT05920616
• Lead Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University

Brief 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.

Detailed Description

As the number of recovered COVID-19 patients increase around the globe, it is important to understand the longterm impact of the disease so that healthcare systems and providers can optimize follow-up care of these patients. Identifying long term effects may also help identify patients with an increased risk of major adverse events following discharge from the hospital. Currently, the long term effects of COVID-19 in discharged hospitalized patients remain unknown. Infection with COVID-19 may result in involvement of many organ systems, including the lung, heart, brain, liver, and kidneys. Patients with a previous history of cardiovascular disease have been found to be at higher risk for incident cardiovascular complications. Direct or indirect effects of COVID-19 infection may predispose patients to thrombotic events including acute myocardial injury or pulmonary defects. Cardio-pulmonary features of COVID-19 include: bilateral multilobar ground-glass opacifications, septal thickening, bronchiectasis, pleural thickening, and subpleural involvement. Gradual resolution of consolidative opacities and other imaging patterns associated with clinical improvement usually occur after the second week of the disease. Characterization and quantification of organ injury as well associated organ dysfunction may help facilitating appropriate prevention and management.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2020-10-14
• Study First Submitted: 2023-06-23
• Study First Submitted QC: 2023-06-23
• Study First Posted: 2023-06-27
• Status Verified: 2024-06
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-06-21
• Last Update Posted: 2024-06-24
• Primary Completion: 2025-10-31
• Study Completion: 2026-10-31

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 210

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

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Non-Hospitalized	Magnetic Resonance Imaging	Participants who had COVID-19 but did not require hospitalization secondary to their illness.
Hospitalized	Ultra-High Resolution Computed Tomography (CT) Scan	Participants who were hospitalized due to their COVID-19 illness.
Hospitalized	Magnetic Resonance Imaging	Participants who were hospitalized due to their COVID-19 illness.
Non-Hospitalized	Ultra-High Resolution Computed Tomography (CT) Scan	Participants who had COVID-19 but did not require hospitalization secondary to their illness.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Degree and extent of fibrosis	Analyzed within 6 months of study completion	- MRI to assess degree and extent of fibrosis in the liver, lungs, brain, myocardium, and vascular systems

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Assessment of Perfusion	Analyzed within 6 months of study completion	Ultra-High Resolution CT to assess the amount of perfusion to the lungs and heart.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; 🇺🇸 Baltimore, Maryland, United States