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

NCT ID NCT04659707

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Kansas Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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.

COVID19

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Kansas Medical Center

Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, United States

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