Gurvits Syndrome: Black Esophagus in the Postoperative Setting

Abstract

The "black esophagus" or "acute esophageal necrosis" is a very rare condition of the esophagus that is believed to have a multifactorial etiology and usually involves the distal esophagus. We present a case of a 66-year-old gentleman who presented with a history of retching followed by one episode of hematemesis two days after his left inguinal hernioplasty. His esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed diffuse ulceration and erosions throughout the esophagus, necrosis of the distal esophageal mucosa till the gastroesophageal junction, and a healed ulcer in the first part of the duodenum. He was managed with supportive care and discharged home in a stable condition.

Keywords: black esophagus; esophageal necrosis; gurvits syndrome; postoperative; setting.

Figure 1. A, B: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy images showing blackish discolored necrotic mucosa of the distal esophagus.