COVID-19's hidden damage: new study scans heart, lungs, and brain
NCT ID NCT04401449
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 01, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This completed study looked at how COVID-19 affects the heart, lungs, brain, and kidneys in 202 people aged 18 to 80. Participants had imaging scans, blood tests, and other procedures to track inflammation and organ function over time. The goal was to understand why some people get very sick while others have mild symptoms.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this research could help doctors understand why COVID-19 affects people so differently and guide better treatments.
- What could go wrong
- This was an observational study, not a treatment trial, so it won't directly provide a cure or therapy. Results may not apply to all populations.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
-
202 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
May 2020
- Finished
-
Aug 2023
- Lead sponsor
-
A government research agency
The lead sponsor is the US National Institutes of Health.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
men or women, 18 - 80 years of age, a) within 1- 28 days (+/- 7 days) of documented COVID-19 infection for acute care (n=150) with subsequent follow-up during recovery (28 +/- 7 days to 12 weeks) and then during convalescence (Week 13 to 12 months - year 1), year 2 convalesecent phase and year 3 convalesecent phase. Each Phase visit can be done out of window as per PI discretion. OR b) if care for acute COVID-19 infections was given at an outside site, participants would be evaluated during recovery (28 +/- 7 days to 12 weeks, during convalescence (Week 13 to 12 months - year 1), year 2 - convalesecent phase and year 3 - convalesecent phase) Each Phase visit can be done out of window as per PI discretion.
- Ages
-
18 to 80 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: Subjects within 1-28 days of documented COVID-19 infection for acute care: * Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study * Male or female, aged 18 to 80 years * Only a minority of children and adolescents have been described as developing serious illness with COVID-19 infection. As such, this is not an age group at significant risk from complications due to this infection. Adults older than 80 years of age represent a group with the greatest risk of mortality from COVID-19 infection. The presence of significant co-morbidities requiring care that cannot be provided at the CC would present a disadvantage to them to have their acute care provided for in the CC. * Documentation of positive SARSCoV-19 test by nucleic acid detection (COVID-19 infection , RT-PCR) * Ability of subject to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document. Subjects during recovery phase of the acute illness (day 28 +/- 7 days to 12 weeks) and convalescent phase (Week 13 up to 12 months), Year 2 convalescent phase (13 24 months), Year 3 convalescent phase (25 36 months) after recovery if care has been received at a facility outside of NIH: * Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study. * Male or female, aged 18 to 80 years. * Study participants will be invited to continue their participation in the study in years 2 and 3 based on the results of their tests from the first year and their willingness to continue for the two additional years. If test results of imaging, blood, pulmonary function and or bronchoscopy have returned to normal at the end of one year, the need for further cardiopulmonary testing will be assessed for each patient. Anyone who is invited to continue in the 2nd and 3rd years may discontinue their participation at any time. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: * Pregnancy or lactation Study participants who are enrolled in the study and become pregnant during the enrollment period will be discontinued from further study participation. Exposure to radiation or radiographic contrast agents for research purposes .only would not be warranted for a pregnant woman and her fetus. * Serious mental illness (e.g. schizophrenia, manic depression) that would limit the ability of the participant to participate willingly into the study. \-- The conduct of the study requires participation in studies that may be unduly stressful (e.g. MRI, bronchoscopy). * Severe claustrophobia that would prohibit the conduct of imaging by MRI even if sedation is provided. * Cardiac pacemaker or implantable defibrillator unless it is safe for MRI * Cerebral aneurysm clip unless it is safe for MRI * Brain stimulator (e.g. TENS-Unit) unless it is safe for MRI * Any type of ear implant unless it is safe for MRI * Foreign body in the eye (e.g. metal shavings) * Metal shrapnel or bullet * Any implanted device (e.g. insulin pump, drug infusion device * Patients requiring mechanical ventilation at an outside hospital prior to transfer. Transporting these patients adds risk to their care.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Acute and long term effects of COVID-19 on brain function are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
MedStar Washington Hospital Center
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20010, United States
-
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Home antibody tests put to the test: can you read your own COVID-19 result?
- Can lung ultrasound reveal COVID-19's signature in the lungs?
- When the immune system Can't fight back: tracking three respiratory viruses
- The household maze: how does COVID-19 move between family members?
- Can an oral drug stop COVID-19 from turning deadly?
- Can COVID-19 rapid tests slip into HIV and TB clinics without disrupting care?