Breathing in a special gas reveals hidden lung damage in COVID survivors

NCT ID NCT04659707

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This completed study looked at lung function in 42 people recovering from COVID-19. Participants inhaled a special form of xenon gas that shows up on MRI scans, allowing researchers to see how well different parts of the lungs were working. The goal was to understand how mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 affect lung structure and function over six months.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Hyperpolarized xenon gas (inhaled for MRI imaging)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help doctors better understand how COVID-19 affects the lungs over time and guide recovery monitoring.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase study with only 42 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It is designed to observe, not treat, the disease.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

COVID-19

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Kansas Medical Center

    Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, United States