[Acute oesophageal necrosis: A rare complication]

Abstract

Introduction: Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN) is a rare medical disorder, which is characterized by a diffuse black esophageal mucosal during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy which is a highly recommended diagnostic tool. Its high mortality rate requires to be quickly evocated and an early management.

Case report: We report a case of a 93-year-old patient with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The upper endoscopy shows a grade D AEN according to the Los Angeles classification. Treatment consists of a parenteral nutritional support and an intravenous proton pump inhibitors treatment, which increase chances of a favorable outcome on endoscopic controls at 2 and 6 weeks.

Conclusion: AEN has to be quickly evocated in a polyvascular and old patient with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Our experience confirms that optimal and early management allow a esophageal complete healing at 6weeks.

Keywords: Acute oesophageal necrosis; Diagnostic endoscopy; Endoscopie diagnostique; Oesophagite nécrosante aigue; Patient polyvasculaire; Polyvascular patient.