Lazarus in asystole: a case report of autoresuscitation after prolonged cardiac arrest.

ABSTRACT: Third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block can result in sudden cardiac death if no reliable escape rhythm is present. Here, we report a case of an 86-year-old female patient who developed a third-degree AV block leading to cardiac arrest. Surprisingly, sinus rhythm returned after 4 min of asystole, and she showed complete neurological recovery. Emergency services were contacted by the husband of an 86-year-old woman after she was found unconscious. Ambulance personnel diagnosed a third-degree AV block without an escape rhythm and transcutaneous pacing was started. At arrival on the emergency ward, pacing was inadequate, resulting in absence of circulation for ∼10 min. After consultation with the family, the patient turned out to have signed a 'do not resuscitate' order. Given the impression

SUBMITTER: Sprenkeler DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6764576 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature