Using Cardiac MRI and Echocardiogram to Study Heart and Lung Effects and Predict Health Outcomes in Adults After COVID-19

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to understand how cardiac MRI and echocardiogram imaging can help explain heart function and predict cardiopulmonary symptoms, physical effort tolerance, and outcomes in people who have survived COVID-19. The study focuses on a large and diverse group of at least 510 COVID-19 survivors, addressing the common long-term effects such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and reduced quality of life. Researchers want to identify the causes of lasting heart and lung symptoms to guide future treatments. Participants will undergo diagnostic tests including cardiac MRI, echocardiogram, a 6-minute walk test, and symptom questionnaires. These assessments will happen at specific follow-up times initially more than 3 months after COVID-19 diagnosis, and again between 12 to 36 months later. The study will use advanced imaging techniques to assess heart and lung injury, tissue changes like fibrosis and edema, and blood oxygenation. During the study, participants will have their heart and lung imaging results analyzed alongside quality of life surveys, exercise tolerance tests, and clinical follow-up. The main outcomes measured include heart tissue changes, lung abnormalities, blood oxygen levels, quality of life scores, and physical effort capacity. The results will help clarify the impact of COVID-19 on heart function and guide prognosis and treatment strategies over time. Participants may be followed for up to 36 months after their first study visit.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Tissue Characterization in COVID-19 Survivors