Headspace screening of fluid obtained from the gut during colonoscopy and breath analysis by proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry: A novel approach in the diagnosis of gastro-intestinal diseases

Abstract

Background: The diagnosis of many gastro-intestinal diseases is difficult and can often be confirmed only by using invasive diagnostic means. In contrast, the headspace screening of fluid obtained from the gut during colonoscopy and the analysis of exhaled air may be a novel approach for the diagnosis of these diseases. Materials and methods: The screening was performed by using proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) which allows rapid and sensitive measurement. Fluid samples obtained from the gut during colonoscopy were collected from 76 and breath samples from 70 subjects. Mass spectra of healthy controls were created. Afterwards these spectra were compared with those of patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD; Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis; n = 10) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS; n = 7). Results: Significant differences in the mass spectra could be observed both in the headspace of the fluid and in the exhaled air comparing patients with healthy controls. Conclusions: This study is the first describing headspace screening of fluid obtained from the gut during colonoscopy, possibly presenting a novel diagnostic tool in the differential diagnosis of gastro-intestinal diseases.