The NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre’s (BRC) Research Radiography team has taken 190 full body MRI scans of patients with long covid as part of the NIHR’s Stimulate ICP trial.
The BRC has been a key partner in the nationwide Stimulate trial which is hosted by University College London and University College Hospital London, launched in August 2021.
Clinical Associate Professor and Honorary Consultant Respiratory Physician at the University of Leicester’s Department of Respiratory Science, Dr Rachael Evans, said:
“We want to say a huge thank you for the terrific job the team have done with the NIHR Stimulate-ICP study multi-organ MRI in over 190 adults with long covid. A tremendous effort.”
Stimulate is the largest long covid related trial of its kind with 4,500 patients set to be recruited to develop new diagnostic and treatment processes. A core part of Stimulate’s new treatment pathway is the use of comprehensive MRI scans to help monitor the patient’s condition as well as trying to establish the cause of long covid symptoms.
The results of the scans form part of a wider program consisting of community-based research, extensive rehab and clinical drug trials.
Over a six-month period, the Glenfield Hospital Imaging team completed multi-organ MRI scans of the heart, lungs, liver & kidneys in over 190ong covid patients.
The Imaging team also completed over 100 multi organ MRI scans in patients participating in the Leicester based PHOSP study- a collaboration between the University of Leicester and the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust coordinated by the Leicester BRC- researching the long-term medical effects of covid 19 in 10,000 participants.
It is hoped this work will help researchers build a better understanding of covid 19, long covid and allow them to better monitor patients’ reactions to treatment.
The Lead Research Radiographer for Imaging Joanne Wormleighton said:
“It’s been fantastic to be part of the Stimulate trial, and to contribute to the excellent work that the Respiratory BRC undertake in relation to Covid 19, and the many other Respiratory studies they participate in.”
To find out more about Stimulate click here If you are interested in getting involved in research- sign up for our research registry here.