Surviving ventricular fibrillation: A documented Lazarus phenomenon

Abstract

Case presentation

A 94-year-old woman with no major medical history developed chest pain and experienced ventricular fibrillation at home. In accordance with written advance directives specifying refusal of “unreasonable or futile treatment,” no resuscitation was performed. After approximately ten minutes of asystole, spontaneous circulation resumed. Forty minutes later, the patient regained consciousness with complete neurologic recovery. Coronary angiography revealed significant coronary lesions that were successfully treated with two drug-eluting stents. The patient was discharged neurologically intact and remains well.

Discussion

This case documents a Lazarus phenomenon in the absence of any resuscitative maneuver—an event not previously described in the literature. Physiologic hypotheses may include delayed venous return, spontaneous myocardial reperfusion, or electrical recovery following ventricular fibrillation. The ethical implications are substantial, as the patient's interpretation of her advance directives differed markedly from the medical team's understanding. This case underscores both the physiological mystery of spontaneous circulation recovery and the ethical need for precise, individualized advance directives. It also highlights the importance of adaptability and clinical judgment when unexpected reversals of presumed death occur.