Understanding heart function in COVID-19 survivors using MRI

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for Tissue Characterization-Based Risk Stratification of Cardiopulmonary Symptoms, Effort Tolerance, and Prognosis Among COVID-19 Survivors

Observational Weill Medical College of Cornell University · NCT05164744

This study is trying to see how heart scans can help understand heart function and long-term symptoms in people who have survived COVID-19.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment510 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWeill Medical College of Cornell University Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Brooklyn, New York and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05164744 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and echocardiograms in assessing heart function and predicting long-term cardiopulmonary symptoms in survivors of COVID-19. By analyzing myocardial tissue characteristics, the research seeks to identify potential causes of persistent symptoms such as fatigue and dyspnea. The study will utilize data from a diverse registry of COVID-19 survivors in New York City, focusing on the relationship between cardiac abnormalities and clinical outcomes. The findings could lead to targeted therapies for affected individuals.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals who have been hospitalized or presented to the emergency room with confirmed COVID-19 infection.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to cardiac MRI or gadolinium, or those with unrelated life-limiting conditions, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help identify the underlying causes of lasting cardiopulmonary symptoms in COVID-19 survivors and inform the development of effective treatments.

How similar studies have performed: While some studies have indicated cardiac abnormalities in COVID-19 survivors, this research aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding and is considered a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Emergency room presentation and/or hospitalization with COVID-19 infection defined in accordance with established criteria as follows: SAR-CoV2 RT-PCR+ (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) and at least one of the following symptoms: dyspnea, cough, dysphagia, rhinorrhea, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, myalgias, fever, syncope/presyncope.

Exclusion criteria:

* Contraindication to CMR (i.e. non-compatible pacemaker/defibrillator) or gadolinium (known hypersensitivity, eGFR (estimated globular filtration rate) \<30 ml/min/1.73m2).
* Inability to provide informed consent (e.g. cognitive impairment).
* Unrelated condition (e.g. neoplasm) with life expectancy \<12 months prohibiting follow-up.
* Patients with contraindications to gadolinium (known or suspected hypersensitivity, glomerular filtration rate \< 30 ml/min/1.73m2) will undergo non-contrast MRI but will not be excluded from this study.
* Patients with known or suspected pregnancy based on Weill Cornell Radiology intake surveys (reviewed by a clinical RN (registered nurse), as well as research personnel) will be excluded from the protocol.

Where this trial is running

Brooklyn, New York and 2 other locations

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 COVID-19 PneumoniaCOVID-19COVID-19 Respiratory InfectionCOVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress SyndromeCOVID-19 Lower Respiratory InfectionCOVID-19 Acute BronchitisCoronavirus Disease 2019coronavirus disease 2019,
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.