EXPLAIN
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Hyperpolarised Xenon Magnetic Resonance PuLmonary Imaging in PAtieNts with Long-COVID (EXPLAIN)
IRAS ID
305846
Contact name
Fergus V Gleeson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
We wish to understand why some individuals with long-COVID struggle with breathlessness on exertion (when active) and have a reduced ability to exercise. To do this, we will use MRI scanning and a special gas (hyperpolarised xenon) which is breathed in during the scan. The xenon gas is harmless in the quantity we use. This technique shows the movement of xenon within the lungs and moving out of the lungs into the bloodstream, similar to how oxygen is absorbed. In patients hospitalised with COVID-19, we found that the xenon MRI scans several months after discharge showed lung damage, even when other tests were normal. Importantly, on follow-up imaging, some have remained abnormal.
Our aim is to further our understanding of some of the factors that cause symptoms in Long-COVID, and provide a much needed explanation to individuals struggling with breathlessness. Learning more about the nature of damage within the lungs through xenon MRI may help with the future development of treatments, and provide a reliable way of measuring the treatment response over time.REC name
South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/SC/0398
Date of REC Opinion
15 Dec 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion