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Case Reports
. 2024 Jul 29;16(7):e65691.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.65691. eCollection 2024 Jul.

Acute Esophageal Necrosis in a Patient With Severe Cardiovascular Disease and Arrhythmia

Sonia Samuel  1 , Anthony Passarella  2 , Rashelle Tsyrlin  3 , Stephen Hasak  2 , Grigoriy Gurvits  4
Affiliations
Case Reports

Acute Esophageal Necrosis in a Patient With Severe Cardiovascular Disease and Arrhythmia

Sonia Samuel et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Acute esophageal necrosis is a gastrointestinal syndrome characterized by diffuse, circumferential, black-appearing mucosa of the distal esophagus and involves various lengths. It is a multifactorial condition involving hypoperfusion from a low flow state, large reflux of gastric contents, and a poor mucosal barrier. Complications involve esophageal stenosis or stricture and esophageal perforation. Treatment is often supportive with correction of underlying conditions, aggressive fluid resuscitation, antacid therapy, and restriction of oral intake. We present an unusual case of black esophagus in a patient with significant cardiovascular disease and rhabdomyolysis and discuss its pathogenesis, management, and outcome.

Keywords: acute esophageal necrosis; atrial fibrillation; black esophagus; gurvits syndrome; upper gastrointestinal bleed.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Necrosis of the distal esophagus
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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