Acute Esophageal Necrosis: A Case Series From a Safety Net Hospital

Cureus. 2020 Jun 10;12(6):e8542. doi: 10.7759/cureus.8542.

Abstract

Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN) or "black esophagus" is a rare clinical condition, endoscopically characterized by diffuse circumferential black esophageal mucosa. Etiologies include hypoperfusion, infections, and corrosive injury. Consideration of this condition as a differential diagnosis is important, as early diagnosis and treatment has implications on survival. In this article, we present four unique cases of acute esophageal necrosis who were managed conservatively.

Keywords: acute esophageal necrosis; black esophagus; endoscopy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports