Lazarus phenomenon in a patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and dilated cardiomyopathy

Lazarus phenomenon (LP) is the spontaneous return of circulation after cessation of resuscitation. We herein report the case of a 21-year-old man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and dilated cardiomyopathy who was hospitalized in the intensive care unit because of respiratory distress. Three days after the initial admission, the patient experienced asystole and did not respond to resuscitation for 30 minutes. Ten minutes after cessation of resuscitation, normal sinus rhythm with a palpable pulse was noted, and the patient was reintubated. Sixty days after admission, the patient was discharged from hospital with complete neurological recovery. Intensive care physicians should be aware of the LP, although it is rare, and a watchful waiting period is advisable after cessation of resuscitation.