Linezolid-Induced Cardiac Arrest in an Adolescent: A Case Report

Drug-induced cardiovascular adverse effects can result in significant morbidity and mortality.Although linezolid, a synthetic oxazolidinone effective against resistant gram-positive infections, has well-recognized side effects, cardiac rhythm disturbances have been rarely reported.We describe the case of a 14-year-old boy with mixed sleep apnea requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation who developed bradycardia and cardiac arrest following initiation of linezolid for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection.Episodes of sinus bradycardia and cardiac arrest occurred temporally after linezolid infusion and resolved upon discontinuation, with no recurrence on alternative therapy.Other metabolic, drug-related, or reversible causes were excluded.Based on Naranjo's scale, the adverse reaction was classified as probable.This case emphasizes the importance of vigilant cardiovascular monitoring during linezolid therapy, as rare but life-threatening bradyarrhythmias may occur.