Longitudinal 129Xe MRI Gas-exchange and Exercise Intolerance in Long-COVID

Motivation: Long-COVID symptoms are experienced by 10-20% of COVID-19 patients. 129Xe MRI ventilation and gas-exchange measurements may provide insights into long-COVID-19 patients' recovery. Goal(s): Use 129Xe MRI to monitor longitudinal recovery (>1 year following infection) of long-COVID patients. Approach: Thirteen long-COVID participants were evaluated longitudinally using pulmonary function tests, six-minute walk distance (6MWD), quality-of-life, and 129Xe MRI imaging measurements. Results: Improvements in FEV1 and FVC%pred, dyspnea following exercise, and clinically significant improvements in 6MWD were observed. No significant differences in imaging measurements were observed between visits or between COVID and control groups. Dyspnea and MRI gas-exchange were correlated. Impact: 129Xe MRI measurements in long-COVID participants suggest persistent gas-exchange abnormalities and exercise intolerance, offering valuable insights for future management and rehabilitation of these patients.