When a Dead Patient Is Not Really Dead: Lazarus Phenomenon

Death is an irreversible phenomenon as it indicates complete and permanent cessation of all critical functions in a human being [1]. Death implies the loss of the integrated function of all organ systems. In extremely rare cases, there have been reports of the spontaneous return of cardiac activity even after a failed attempt at cardiac resuscitation. In these cases, patients are declared dead but have been found to be autoresuscitated after cessation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This is described as the Lazarus phenomenon [2]. We hereby present a case report of the Lazarus phenomenon and review of the current literature.