[Acute esophageal necrosis: an unusual entity]

Abstract

Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN), also designated black esophagus, is a rare disorder that is poorly described in the medical literature. We present the case of an 80 years old man, with upper gastrointestinal bleeding who developed a black esophagus after hypotensive episodes. Necrosis was confirmed histologically. Hematemesis and melena are present in more than 70% of the cases. Endoscopic findings show black discoloration of the distal esophagus with proximal extension ending sharply at the gastroesophageal junction. Diagnosis is reached endoscopically with histological support. Mortality is high (up to 50%) even though related to the patient's underlying condition. Finally, we may say that to keep in mind the possibility of AEN is a key factor in its diagnosis, particularly in older patients with associated morbidity and evidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. In the present report we describe the clinical, endoscopic and histophatological characteristics of a patient with a diagnosis of AEN.