Exploratory Metabolomics Study of Exhaled Breath in Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism is a frequent and recurrent pathology, especially in the elderly. It is often preventable, with high mortality and morbidity, making it a major public health issue. The clinical presentation of pulmonary embolism is non-specific and very highly variable, ranging from asymptomatic thrombus diagnosed incidentally to sudden death. The current diagnosis of pulmonary embolism is based on several diagnostic techniques, mainly non-invasive, which should be used sequentially.

We propose to sample the volatile organic compounds using a device that allows them to be trapped on polymer cartridges. Sampling will be performed under monitoring of respiratory pressure and a capnograph to collect alveolar and upper respiratory tract air separately without contamination of the oral cavity or sinuses.

This exploratory metabolic analysis will be non-targeted (analysis of all molecules detectable without a priori).

The main objective of the study is to identify specific metabolic profiles to predict the results of ventilation-perfusion pulmonary tomoscintigraphy in subjects undergoing this examination for suspected acute pulmonary embolism.

Secondary purposes :

• To identify metabolic profiles to be used to predict, in combination with clinical probability scores, the results of ventilation-perfusion pulmonary tomoscintigraphy in subjects undergoing this examination for suspected acute pulmonary embolism.;
• To correlate metabolic profiles with the topography of embolized lung territories