RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Residual Embolism Evaluated With Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography

This study is about people who have had blood clots in their lungs, also known as pulmonary embolism (PE). Even after treatment, sometimes parts of the blood vessels in the lungs can remain blocked, leading to a condition called Chronic Thrombo-embolic Disease (CTED). This can cause ongoing symptoms like breathlessness. We are comparing different types of special lung scans, called SPECT scans, with older types of scans to see how well they can find and measure these remaining blockages. The goal is to improve how doctors understand and treat these long-term issues so patients can feel better.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne

Enrolment target

358

Start

27 Jun 2024

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2026

Pulmonary Circulation Obstruction

What is this study about?

Imagine your lungs have lots of tiny tubes, like a network of roads, that carry blood. If you've had a blood clot in your lung (a pulmonary embolism, or PE), it's like a blockage on one of these roads. While doctors have gotten much better at treating these clots when they first happen, sometimes these blockages don't completely clear up. This can lead to a lasting problem called Chronic Thrombo-embolic Disease (CTED), making it harder to breathe or causing other issues.

This study is looking at how doctors can best see and measure these leftover blockages in the lungs. Currently, a type of scan called a V/Q scintigraphy is often used. However, newer, more detailed scans called V/Q single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans are also being recommended. This study aims to find out if these newer SPECT scans are more accurate or provide better information than the older scans when it comes to locating and understanding these remaining blockages.

By comparing these different scanning methods, the researchers hope to figure out the best way to monitor people after a lung clot. This could help doctors identify who might be at risk for long-term problems and make better decisions about their care, ultimately improving the health and quality of life for people living with the after-effects of pulmonary embolism.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates different lung scans for blockages after a blood clot.
It aims to improve detection of long-term lung problems (CTED).
Compares newer SPECT scans with traditional planar scans.
For adults experiencing breathlessness or suspected lung pressure after a lung clot.
Hopes to lead to better diagnosis and care for patients.
Involves specific lung imaging tests.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for volunteers who are already coming to the nuclear medicine department at Saint-Etienne public hospital for a special lung scan. You might be eligible if doctors suspect you have high blood pressure in your lungs, or if you're still feeling breathless even after being treated for a blood clot in your lung (pulmonary embolism).

You must also be covered by social security to take part. This study is for adults aged 18 and over, and welcomes both men and women.

Currently, you cannot join this study if you are pregnant. Also, if you are being scanned because doctors think you might have a *new* blood clot in your lung, this study won't be suitable for you. Finally, you won't be able to participate if there's a reason you can't complete all the steps of the study scans.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you having a lung scan at Saint-Etienne public hospital because of ongoing breathlessness or suspected high lung pressure after a past blood clot?
Are you currently covered by social security?
Are you NOT pregnant?
Are you NOT being scanned for a *new* or sudden blood clot?
Can you complete all parts of the required lung scans?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The information provided does not give specific details about what taking part involves beyond having specific types of scans. Based on the study description, if you join, you would likely undergo one or more special lung scans (V/Q SPECT and planar scintigraphy) that are used to check for blockages in your lungs. These scans involve a small amount of radioactive material and imaging equipment. The study aims to compare how well different versions of these scans work, so you might have different types of scans or variations of the same scan. The duration of each scan and the total time commitment are not specified, but these are typically outpatient procedures. There is no mention of medication specific to the study, additional doctor visits, or long-term follow-up beyond the scans themselves.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of participating is that the information gathered could help improve how doctors diagnose and understand leftover blockages in the lungs, potentially leading to better care for future patients. While the study doesn't mention direct benefits to participants beyond the standard care, you would be receiving advanced imaging. Risks might include exposure to small amounts of radiation from the scans, typical for nuclear medicine procedures, and the time commitment for appointments. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire
Verified postcode
Saint-Etienne, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a pulmonary embolism (PE)?

A pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage in one of the blood vessels in your lungs, usually caused by a blood clot that has travelled from elsewhere in your body.

What is Chronic Thrombo-embolic Disease (CTED)?

CTED is a long-term condition that can happen after a blood clot in the lung (PE) if parts of the blockage don't fully clear, leading to ongoing breathing problems.

What are SPECT scans?

SPECT scans are special imaging tests that use a small amount of radioactive material to create detailed 3D pictures of how blood and air move through your lungs, helping doctors find problems like blockages.

Will this study change my current treatment?

The study's main goal is to compare different types of scans. It doesn't mention changing your current treatment. Any findings would be discussed with your regular healthcare team.

Is there any cost to me if I join the study?

The information provided doesn't specify costs, but typically, participation in a clinical study means any study-related tests and procedures are covered by the research. Eligibility requires social security coverage.

How to find out more

Pierre-Benoit BONNEFOY, MD

pierre-benoit.bonnefoy@chu-st-etienne.fr (0)4 77 82 94 43 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.