Dual MRI for Cardiopulmonary COVID-19 Long Haulers

The next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to see a surge in an associated chronic cardiopulmonary disease that will challenge health systems. Recovered patients are presenting with persistent dyspnea at the Duke Pulmonary Post-COVID clinic. Evidence is now mounting that recovered patients have significant residual pulmonary disease, while myocardial injury has also been increasingly reported. To optimally care for these patients, Duke Pulmonary study team must comprehensively assess and monitor the changes in cardiopulmonary function and relate the changes to physiologic and quality of life outcomes. The study team will deploy cutting-edge MRI to fully characterize cardiopulmonary function in enrolled 30 subjects (accrual 23 subjects) at time point 60-120 days post recovery and 6-9 months later. Cardiac MRI will assess the myocardial status and right ventricular function, while hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI will provide a 3D assessment of pulmonary ventilation, interstitial barrier integrity, and pulmonary vascular hemodynamics. The overall objective outlined in this study is to demonstrate the feasibility and value of comprehensive longitudinal imaging characterization of cardiopulmonary structure and function in patients recovered from Covid-19.