Autoresuscitation: A Case and Discussion of the Lazarus Phenomenon

Box 1

Facts about the Lazarus Phenomenon.

(i) It is a very rare condition.

(ii) It is presumably widely underreported.

(iii) The precise pathophysiological mechanisms are unknown, but they may include

   hyperinflation,

   myocardial stunning,

   hyperkalaemia,

   delayed action of drugs,

   countershock asystole,

   unobserved minimal vital signs.

(iv) There are countermeasures as follows:

   ECG monitoring 10 min after prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation,

   avoiding hyperventilation,

   arterial blood gas as soon as possible,

   echocardiography and capnography.