MEMORY-COVID [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Manganese-Enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of MyOcardial injuRY in COVID 19 (MEMORY- COVID)
IRAS ID
283379
Contact name
David Newby
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 2 months, 1 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Cardiac imaging has improved out understanding and ability to treat different cardiac conditions. Computed Tomography (CT) is a routine scan that is performed which and gives information about disease of the heart arteries. Scanning the heart using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables detailed assessment of its structure and function. MRI can give more detailed information about the heart by using a contrast ‘dye’ that is injected into a vein during the scan. This can highlight abnormal areas within the heart. Current contrast dyes help identify scarring within the heart. Recent studies using a new contrast dye containing manganese has shown advantages over traditional contrast and has highlighted significant differences in people with heart conditions.\n\nCOVID-19 has a significant impact on the heart, however, we do not know the mechanism. We believe it is important to investigate this, as it will enable us to understand the process better and improve how we treat heart disease in the current climate. We plan to further investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the heart with MRI and CT scanning We aim to look at 2 patient groups; (i) those with COVID-19 without heart damage) (ii) those with COVID-19 with evidence of heart damage. We will scan healthy volunteers for comparison.\nThe study will be carried out at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Adults between 18 and 65 who have recovered from COVID-19. Women who may be pregnant are unable to participate, as is anyone who has some types of metal in their body, as these people can’t have an MRI scan safely. All patients will have two MRI’s(1 hour each) and 1 CT scan (30 mins) soon after discharge and two MRI’s at 3-6 months after discharge from hospital (total of 4 MRI and 1 CT). We will also take some blood samples and record a tracing of the heart rhythm. We will ensure there are no abnormal side-effects by telephone follow up. Healthy volunteers will have 2 MRI’s and will be scanned after the pandemic is over.
Summary of Results
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a special type of body scanner that uses strong magnetic fields to generate pictures of the body. In patients with heart disease, it can identify a range of problems within the heart, especially when the heart muscle fails to function normally. Current scans can only assess how the heart muscle moves and whether there are any scars. However, it cannot directly see whether the heart muscle cells are working properly. Detecting abnormal behaviour of the heart muscle could allow us to identify disease early, diagnose certain types of heart disease and help select treatments that may help alleviate symptoms and improve patient outcomes.
There was major concern about the potential for long-term effects of COVID-19 on the heart. We know that those with evidence of heart damage are at higher risk of serious illness. This study assessed patients who had recovered following hospitalisation with COVID-19 using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) imaging of the heart arteries. The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of co-morbidities on the reported widespread heart abnormalities in patients with recent COVID-19. I found no evidence on magnetic resonance imaging or CT scanning to suggest that patients had higher risk of heart damage. Despite recovery, these patients had evidence of right heart injury, most likely secondary to ongoing lung injury.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NW/0249
Date of REC Opinion
14 May 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion