[An unusual anaphylactic reaction following succinylcholine chloride in a 21-month-old child]

An anaphylactoid reaction occurring after the intravenous administration of succinylcholine in a 21-month-old child is reported. The clinical manifestations and signs were limited to the upper airways and eyelids. The child was not known to be allergic or atopic. The IgE level was normal. The search for specific anti-choline IgE antibodies was negative. The skin tests were strongly positive for succinylcholine. The physiopathological and immunoallergic differences between anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reaction are briefly discussed.