[Acute esophageal necrosis: a retrospective case series]

Abstract

Background: Acute esophageal necrosis has been considered a rare event. It is defined as the presence of diffuse dark pigmentation of the esophagus on upper endoscopy. Its incidence has not yet been established. The pathogenesis remains unknown.

Patients and methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical, laboratory, endoscopic, and histological data, and of the clinical course of 11 patients with acute necrotizing esophagitis was carried out over a 2-year period.

Results: Among 3,976 patients who underwent upper endoscopy, 11 (0.28%) with acute esophageal necrosis were identified. Nutritional status was poor for 6 patients. Complete resolution of acute esophageal necrosis without further recurrence was observed in 4. One stricture appeared during follow-up and other patient developed new-onset acute esophageal necrosis. Seven patients died, but no death was directly related to acute esophageal necrosis.

Conclusions: The incidence of acute esophageal necrosis in our series is 0.28%. Acute esophageal necrosis is associated with high mortality rates.