Delayed clopidogrel transit during myocardial infarction evident on angiography

We describe the case of a patient with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) where a limitation of oral clopidogrel loading prior to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was directly visualized on angiography. Clopidogrel is a thienopyridine antiplatelet agent used in acute coronary syndromes. It reduces platelet aggregation via inhibition of the P2Y12 receptor. Clopidogrel is an inactive metabolite that is metabolized into the active metabolite by the cytochrome P450 isoenzymes located mostly in the liver and partly in the gastrointestinal system. As such, it requires at least 2 hours to reach maximal effect. A 63-year-old female went to an outside facility where she was diagnosed with NSTEMI and underwent angiography. She was administered 324 mg of aspirin and 600 mg of clopidogrel, and was transferred to our facility. Upon arrival, approximately 1.5 hours after the oral loading dose, the clopidogrel tablets were visualized intact in the stomach during angiography, implying a very low likelihood of adequate absorption or antiplatelet effect. This observation raises the concern that delayed gastrointestinal transit, apart from other metabolic derangements, may be a factor in achieving optimal platelet inhibition using oral agents.