A Study to Evaluate COVID Brain Advanced Imaging Network

Overview

About this study

The purpose of this study is to prospectively clarify the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the CNS with multi-modal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging tracking structural, microstructural, vascular and biochemical changes.

COVID-19 increases the risk of developing long-term inflammatory, neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular consequences.

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Participants must be 18 years or older.
  • Participants must understand and cooperate with requirements of the study in the opinion of the investigators and must be able to provide written informed consent.
  • Individuals who had no known COVID-19 exposure (for controls) or had PCR or antibody confirmed COVID-19 who present with neurological symptoms in the months after infection and fit one of the following criteria during the acute phase of the infection:
    • ambulatory with no or mild symptoms;
    • hospitalized but on no oxygen; or
    • hospitalized but on oxygen administered via a nasal cannula, mask or non-invasive ventilation; i.e., individuals with WHO Ordinal Scale40 scores 0-5. 
  • English or Spanish speaking (based on self-stated primary language).
  • Clear of any contraindications for MRI.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Patients under 18 years of age.
  • Medical conditions likely to interfere with the study, including chronic neurologic conditions, restless leg syndrome, structural abnormalities such as subdural hematoma, intracranial neoplasms, end-stage renal disease, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) needing oxygen, end-stage liver disease, active psychiatric illness, active drug abuse, stroke unrelated to COVID-19 or heart attack 6 months before study enrollment, active cancer, concurrent illnesses or treatments interfering with cognitive function such as dementia or normal pressure hydrocephalus.
  • Individuals who had COVID-19 and required mechanical ventilation.
  • Pregnant women.
  • Inability to undergo MRI scanning, including but not limited to claustrophobia, unable to remain still in an MRI scanner for more than 30 minutes, presence of paramagnetic substances or pacemakers in body, weight over 300 lbs.
  • Inability to adhere to study protocol for whatever reason.

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location Status Contact

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Kejal Kantarci, M.D.

Closed for enrollment

Contact information:

June Kendall Thomas

(507) 293-9397

KendallThomas.June15@mayo.edu

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available