Quantitative Heart Scan to Find Coronary Microvascular Problems in Long COVID Patients
Official title: Quantitative Detection of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in Long COVID Patients using a Comprehensive, Rapid, Free-Breathing Cardiovascular MRI
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11377970 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A heart MRI study will look for tiny blood vessel problems in people who have long-lasting COVID symptoms and chest pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $712,698 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL167148-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377970 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with persistent chest pain after COVID-19 who have well-characterized medical histories and can undergo MRI.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without persistent chest pain or those unable to undergo MRI would be less likely to benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses a rapid, free-breathing MRI test to measure how well the heart’s small vessels are working in patients with long COVID. The goal is to identify a reliable imaging approach that can guide therapy without exposing patients to radiation. It focuses on people with persistent chest pain after COVID-19 and uses comprehensive MRI measures to assess blood flow, tissue health, and scar. The study builds on existing MRI techniques already used in clinics and applies them specifically to long COVID patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the imaging test could help doctors diagnose microvascular issues in long COVID and tailor treatments more precisely.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work supports using cardiovascular MRI to assess microvascular function, but this study applies it specifically to long COVID with chest pain.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Daniel — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Kim, Daniel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Defining neutrophil biology in pediatric Long COVID
This project looks at why some kids develop Long COVID by studying neutrophils to help find new ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
-
Advancing Long COVID Care in Our Community through Access and Collaboration
A community-focused project to make long COVID care more accessible and equitable for people in St. Louis and rural Missouri.
-
Pediatric Long COVID Care Network: Improving access and coordinated care for children
A nationwide pediatric program is testing a patient-centered, multi-disciplinary approach to help children with long COVID, especially in underserved communities.
-
Comunidad: Expanding Long COVID care in underserved South Texas
A new program will broaden and coordinate Long COVID care for underserved communities in San Antonio and South Texas to improve access and outcomes.
-
Atlanta Long COVID Coordinated Care Model for Diverse Populations
A regional program in Atlanta aims to improve access and coordination of care for people with Long COVID, especially in underserved communities.
-
Long COVID Care Resources and Education to Improve Community Health
A program to support federally-qualified health centers in providing better Long COVID care through education, a shared hub, and easy referral pathways for underserved communities.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.