Stress cardiomyopathy following antibiotic-induced anaphylaxis in a 16-month-old child

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a reversible stress-induced myocardial syndrome characterized by transient left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in the absence of coronary artery disease. Pediatric cases are rare, especially in infants and toddlers. We report a 16-month-old female child who developed TTC following severe pneumonia complicated by antibiotic-induced anaphylaxis, cardiopulmonary arrest, and catecholamine exposure during resuscitation. Electrocardiography showed T-wave inversions, and echocardiography demonstrated transient mid and apical LV hypokinesia with preserved basal function. Cardiac troponin-I was markedly elevated. Serial echocardiography documented complete recovery of ventricular function. This case emphasizes the need to consider TTC in young children presenting with myocardial dysfunction following anaphylaxis and resuscitation and highlights the importance of early echocardiographic evaluation.