Evaluating lung function in individuals with long-term effects of COVID-19

Quantitative Computed Tomography to Assess Ventilatory and Perfusion Abnormalities in Individuals With Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Observational Tufts Medical Center · NCT05866952

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 typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorTufts Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT05866952 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a documented history of COVID-19 and persistent symptoms of fatigue or dyspnea.

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.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Post-Acute COVID-19Post COVID-19 ConditionPost Viral FatigueDyspneaVentilation Perfusion Mismatch
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.