Prospective cohort study to evaluate the utility of quantitative CT analysis to assessventilation and perfusion defects in patients with Post-acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2(PASC) and functional limitations
This is a study to describe the overall pattern of lung ventilation and perfusion defects
in individuals with PASC. Subjects with PASC with a documented history of COVID-19 and
persistent symptoms of fatigue, dyspnea, and/or exercise intolerance will complete
questionnaires, and undergo pulmonary function tests, 6-minute walk tests, and a low dose
CT chest to describe the overall pattern of lung regional ventilation and blood
distribution and to compare this pattern to asymptomatic controls with and without prior
COVID-19.
Diagnostic Test: Computed Tomography of the Chest
Quantitative Computed Tomography of the chest in the inspiratory and expiratory phases
will be performed to assess regional lung ventilation as well as pulmonary vascular
volume and distribution
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
Tufts Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Investigator: Bipin Malla
Bipin Malla
617-636-6304
tuftsmccorstudy@tuftsmedicalcenter.org
Not Provided