PET Imaging for Brain Inflammation in Long COVID
This study is looking into whether a special imaging scan can help identify inflammation in the brains of people who have long-term symptoms after COVID-19, also known as Long COVID or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). Researchers will use a substance called 11C-PS13, injected into your vein, followed by a PET scan. They want to see if this tracer can highlight brain inflammation in those with neurological symptoms like headaches, loss of taste/smell, or thinking problems. The main goal is to measure the amount of 11C-PS13 in certain brain areas to understand if inflammation (COX-1) is elevated in people with these brain issues compared to healthy volunteers. The study is currently unclear on its recruitment status and plans to enroll 60 participants aged 18 to 70.
- Study design
- This is an interventional study planning to enroll 60 participants. It aims to compare brain inflammation in individuals with Long COVID to healthy volunteers.
- What's involved
- You would receive an intravenous (IV) injection of 11C-PS13 followed by a PET scan. The study will measure the distribution of 11C-PS13 over 36 months.
- Compensation
- Not stated in the trial record.
- Follow-up
- The primary endpoint, measuring the distribution volume for 11C-PS13, will be assessed at 36 months.
AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.
NCT06920628
PET Imaging of Cyclooxygenase-1 in Participants With Neurological Manifestations of Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC)
Recruiting
PHASE1Ages 18–70InterventionalDiagnosticNational Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)Government-funded
~60 participants
Updated 2026-08-18 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:11C-PS13
At a glance
Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
To measure distribution volume for 11C-PS13
Measured over 36 months
Conditions
NCT06920628
Where you'd take part
This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Marylandstudy coordinator listed
Recruiting
Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.
Study leadership
- Robert B Innis, M.D. · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Who to contact
Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.
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Eligibility criteria
Inclusion
Aged 18 to 70 years of age.
Participants must be in good general health as evidenced by medical history and physical examination.
Each participant must have a level of understanding sufficient to agree to all required tests and examinations and sign an informed consent document.
Participants must have undergone a screening assessment under protocol #000089, Natural History of Post-Coronavirus Disease 19 Convalescence at the National Institutes of Health or #000711 Immunotherapy for Neurological Post-Acute Sequelae of SARSCoV-2 (INPASC) and determined to have neuro-PASC.
Participants must have had their radial artery pulse checked for the presence of adequate ulnar collateral flow and the absence of any metal or foreign objects in both wrists.
Participants must agree to adhere to the lifestyle considerations.
Aged 18 to 70 years of age.
Able to provide informed consent.
Be in good general health, as evidenced by medical history and physical examination, and have no cognitive impairment.
Does not have an active SARS-CoV-2 infection. The protocol will conform with NIH CC standards for documenting a participant does not have active SARS-CoV-2 infection. This may include screening interviews and/or testing.
Participants must be at least six weeks out since the onset of SARS-CoV-2 symptoms with no fever for at least one week.
Participants must report having at least one prior SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Be enrolled in 01M0254, The Evaluation of Participants with Mood and Anxiety Disorders and Healthy Volunteers or 17M0181, Recruitment and Characterization of Healthy Research Volunteers for NIMH Intramural Studies .
Have had their radial artery pulse checked for the presence of adequate ulnar collateral flow and the absence of any metal or foreign objects in both wrists.
Agree to adhere to the lifestyle considerations.
Exclusion
Clinically significant abnormalities on EKG or laboratory testing based on individual clinical judgement. This includes CBC and acute care panel (Na, K, Cl, CO2, creatinine, glucose, urea nitrogen). Any lab value that is two times the upper limit or lower values, as per the investigator s judgment. Creatinine level \>1.3 mg/dL.
Participants should not have taken Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)s for two weeks prior to each PET scan. Corticosteroids (with the exception of topical steroids), or immunosuppressants (e.g. methotrexate) must not have been taken within one month prior to each PET scan.
Participants who have an unstable medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, makes participation unsafe (e.g., an active infection or untreated malignancy).
Are unable to travel to the NIH.
Have recent exposure to radiation related to research (e.g., PET from other research) that, when combined with this study, would be above the allowable limits as determined by the study team.
Have an inability to lie flat and/or lie still on the camera bed for at least two hours,including claustrophobia, overweight greater than the maximum for the scanner, and uncontrollable behavioral symptoms, which will be screened by an interview with the participant during the screening visit.
Are unable to have an MRI scan (e.g., because of pacemakers or other implanted electrical devices, brain stimulators, dental implants, aneurysm clips (metal clips on the wall of a large artery), metallic prostheses (including metal pins and rods, heart valves, and cochlear implants), permanent eyeliner, implanted delivery pumps, shrapnel fragments, or metal fragments in the eye.
Pregnancy or Breastfeeding Women.
HIV Infection.
Clinically significant abnormalities on EKG or laboratory testing. This includes CBC and acute care panel (Na, K, Cl, CO2, creatinine, glucose, urea nitrogen).
Participants should not have taken Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) for two weeks prior to the PET scan. Corticosteroids (with the exception of topical steroids), or immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate) must not have been taken within one month prior to the PET scan.
Participants with an active SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Are unable to travel to the NIH.
Have recent exposure to radiation related to research (e.g., PET from other research) that, when combined with this study, would be above the allowable limits.
Have an inability to lie flat and/or lie still on the camera bed for at least two hours, including claustrophobia, overweight greater than the maximum for the scanner, and uncontrollable behavioral symptoms, which will be screened by an interview with the participant during the screening visit.
Are unable to have an MRI scan (e.g., because of pacemakers or other implanted electrical devices, brain stimulators, dental implants, aneurysm clips (metal clips on the wall of a large artery), metallic prostheses (including metal pins and rods, heart valves, and cochlear implants), permanent eyeliner, implanted delivery pumps, shrapnel fragments, or metal fragments in the eye.
Pregnancy or Breastfeeding Women.
HIV Infection.
What this trial measures
- To measure distribution volume for 11C-PS1336 months
Target quantification of COX-1