[A case of clopidogrel-induced eosinophilic pneumonia]

Nihon Kokyuki Gakkai Zasshi. 2011 Nov;49(11):838-42.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

An 83-year-old man had been prescribed clopidogrel for pontine infarction since 8 months previously, and had had a cough for the last 2 weeks of this period. Laboratory examinations on admission showed a marked increase in eosinophils and elevated serum immunoglobulin E levels. Chest radiography showed bilateral ground-glass opacities, mild reticulation, and interlobar pleural effusion in the minor fissure. After clopidogrel was discontinued his symptoms resolved, and his laboratory tests showed normal results. Bronchoalveolar lavage also showed an increase in eosinophils, and transbronchial biopsy revealed infiltration of eosinophils in the subepithelium of the bronchial mucosa. On the basis of these findings, we diagnosed eosinophilic pneumonia induced by clopidogrel. Reports on cases of lung diseases caused by anti-platelet drugs are rare. To the best of our knowledge, this case is the first report on clopidogrel-induced eosinophilic pneumonia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Clopidogrel
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Pulmonary Eosinophilia / chemically induced*
  • Ticlopidine / adverse effects
  • Ticlopidine / analogs & derivatives*

Substances

  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Clopidogrel
  • Ticlopidine