Evaluating lung function in individuals with long-term effects of COVID-19
Official title: Quantitative Computed Tomography to Assess Ventilatory and Perfusion Abnormalities in Individuals With Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Run by Tufts Medical Center · NCT05866952 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to see how COVID-19 affects lung function in people who have ongoing symptoms, compared to those who didn’t have any symptoms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Tufts Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 5, 2023 |
| Main results expected | May 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 20, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05866952 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a documented history of COVID-19 and persistent symptoms of fatigue or dyspnea.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have had a recent SARS-CoV-2 infection or those with significant pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to assess lung ventilation and perfusion defects in individuals suffering from Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). Participants with a history of COVID-19 and ongoing symptoms such as fatigue and dyspnea will undergo a series of tests, including pulmonary function tests and low-dose CT scans. The study will compare the lung function patterns of these individuals to asymptomatic controls to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on lung health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of lung-related complications in COVID-19 survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have explored lung function in COVID-19 survivors, indicating a growing body of evidence on this topic, though this specific approach may offer novel insights.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 * Self-reported or documented SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT-PCR or Antigen testing \> 3 months ago or no previous history of SARS-CoV-2 infection (control group only) * Normal or mild abnormalities on baseline Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) * New or worsening symptoms of chronic fatigue, dyspnea or exercise intolerance after COVID-19 with otherwise unclear etiology (PASC group only) Exclusion Criteria: * SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT-PCR or Antigen testing within the last 3 months * Inability to provide consent or non-English speaking * Pregnancy * Any respiratory infection in last 4 weeks * PFT relative contraindications * History of major cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, hepatic, autoimmune or neuromuscular disease including asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, heart failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, or prior pulmonary embolism * Active malignancy undergoing treatment or history of malignancy involving the lung
Where it's running
-
Tufts Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Bipin Malla
- Email: tuftsmccorstudy@tuftsmedicalcenter.org
- Phone: 617-636-6304
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Pulmonary and cardiovascular rehabilitation program for chronic respiratory and heart conditions
This study tests a rehabilitation program that combines exercise for people with chronic lung and heart conditions to see if it helps them feel better and improve their daily activities.
-
Assessing diaphragm function in patients with respiratory diseases
This study is testing how well the diaphragm works in people with respiratory diseases to see if it affects their breathing difficulties and overall health.
-
Wintergreen oil inhalation for shortness of breath in pneumonia patients
Hospitals will test whether inhaling wintergreen essential oil helps relieve dyspnea in adults with pneumonia.
-
Difference in finger, earlobe, and forehead oxygen levels to predict outcomes in dyspnea
In adults with breathing trouble, this study tests whether differences in SpO2 readings from different body sites can predict who might have worse outcomes.
-
See if video telemedicine with a caller’s mobile camera improves care for adults with acute dyspnea
This study tests whether adding video calls from a caller’s mobile phone to the emergency dispatch process helps improve care for adults with acute shortness of breath.
-
CardioStory device in helping tell heart failure from other causes in people with shortness of breath
This study tests whether the CardioStory noninvasive device can help emergency department clinicians distinguish heart failure from other causes of dyspnea in adults.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.