Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Imbalances of Regional Pulmonary Ventilation in Patients With Post-acute-COVID-19

This research is investigating how the lungs are affected in people who have long-term symptoms after having COVID-19, often called 'Long COVID'. Specifically, it's looking at how air moves in different parts of the lungs. The study uses a special, safe scanning technique called electrical impedance tomography (EIT) to see how well different areas of the lung are working. Researchers will compare these EIT scans with more common lung scans (CT scans) to understand if EIT can effectively show problems with lung ventilation – that's how air gets in and out of your lungs. The main goal is to see if EIT can detect changes in lung ventilation that match what's seen on CT scans or in lung function tests in people with ongoing COVID-19 symptoms.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Jan-Christoph Lewejohann

Enrolment target

Start

01 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2027

COVID-19 Pneumonia Post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome Electric Impedance

What is this study about?

This study is designed to help us better understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the lungs. Many people recover from the initial COVID-19 infection, but some experience ongoing symptoms for weeks or months afterwards. This is often called 'Post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome' or 'Long COVID'. A common issue for some of these individuals is feeling breathless or having other breathing difficulties.

Doctors often use CT scans (which are like detailed X-rays) to look at the lungs. This study wants to see if another type of scan, called electrical impedance tomography (EIT), can give us similar or even more helpful information about how well air is moving in different parts of the lungs. EIT is a safe technique that involves placing small sensors on your chest to measure how electrical signals pass through your body, which can show how air is distributed in your lungs as you breathe.

The main aim is to find out if changes seen on a standard CT scan, or problems found during lung function tests, can also be detected by the EIT scan. If EIT proves to be a good way to see these lung ventilation problems, it could become a useful tool for doctors to monitor and understand how Long COVID affects breathing.

Key takeaways

Study explores lung changes in Long COVID patients.
Uses a safe scan (EIT) to see how air moves in lungs.
Compares EIT results to standard CT scans.
No new treatments or medicines are given.
Helps understand long-term COVID-19 lung effects.
Participation is short, during a routine visit.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. You would be considered if you are already having a CT scan of your chest because your doctor suspects you might have ongoing symptoms related to a past COVID-19 infection (Post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome). You also need to be able to understand what the study involves and agree to take part.

However, there are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you've had a recent serious injury or have unstable broken bones, you won't be able to participate. This study also isn't suitable for people who weigh more than 50 on the Body Mass Index (BMI) scale, or those who have uncontrolled body movements that might affect the scans. Lastly, if you have a pacemaker fitted, you cannot be part of this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you having a chest CT scan for suspected Long COVID?
Do you not have a pacemaker?
Do you not have a BMI over 50?
Do you not have uncontrolled body movements?
Do you not have unstable broken bones or serious injuries?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This is an observational study, which means you won't be given any new treatments or medicines. You will simply have an additional measurement taken while you are already scheduled for a chest CT scan due to suspected post-acute COVID-19 symptoms. This extra measurement involves the electrical impedance tomography (EIT) scan. The EIT scan is usually performed by attaching small, sticky pads to your chest, which are connected to a machine. It's painless and non-invasive. The total duration of your involvement would likely be limited to the time taken for this additional EIT measurement during your clinic visit for the CT scan, and there will be no follow-up visits specifically for this research.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no significant risks associated with this study, as the EIT scan is a safe, non-invasive procedure, and you won't be given any new medications or treatments. The main benefit for you would be contributing to a better understanding of how COVID-19 affects the lungs long-term, which could help future patients. You will not receive personal results from the EIT scan. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Klinik für Notfallmedizin
Verified postcode
Jena, Germany

Common questions

What is 'Long COVID'?

Long COVID refers to symptoms that continue for weeks or months after the initial infection with coronavirus, even after you've recovered from the acute illness.

What is an EIT scan?

EIT stands for Electrical Impedance Tomography. It's a safe and painless scan that uses small electrical currents to see how air moves in your lungs.

Will I get any treatment in this study?

No, this is an 'observational' study. You won't receive any new treatments; researchers are just gathering information.

How long will my involvement last?

Your involvement will only be for the short time it takes to do the extra EIT scan during your scheduled visit for a CT scan.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, you are free to stop participating at any point, and it won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Jan-Christoph Lewejohann, Dr.

jan-christoph.lewejohann@med.uni-jena.de +49 3641 9 32 20 13 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.