Clopidogrel-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease: A Case Report and Literature Review

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Cardiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Clopidogrel is a crucial antithrombotic agent for preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.
• While gastrointestinal bleeding is a known risk, pulmonary complications are less frequently reported.
• Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a rare but serious adverse event associated with clopidogrel therapy.

Observation:

• A patient presented with dyspnea, chest pain, and mild fever following percutaneous coronary intervention and initiation of clopidogrel.
• Clinical and imaging findings, coupled with the patient's history of clopidogrel exposure, led to the suspicion of drug-induced ILD.
• Other potential respiratory causes were systematically excluded.

Findings:

• The diagnosis of clopidogrel-induced interstitial lung disease was established.
• Discontinuation of clopidogrel and administration of steroids resulted in significant clinical improvement.
• This case underscores the potential for clopidogrel to induce rare pulmonary complications.

Implications:

• Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for drug-induced ILD in patients on clopidogrel presenting with unexplained respiratory symptoms.
• Early recognition and management, including drug withdrawal and steroid therapy, are vital for favorable outcomes.
• Further research into the mechanisms and incidence of clopidogrel-induced pulmonary toxicity is warranted.