Patients with acute esophageal necrosis often present with hematemesis and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Our case report describes a patient's incidental discovery of black esophagus without recent hemodynamic instability, symptoms, or evidence of blood loss anemia. As illustrated in this case, it is important to recognize these findings in patients without classic signs and symptoms to act promptly and prevent tissue ischemia or perforation. Early recognition can also help reduce the risk of long-term complications such as stricture formation. Thus, a high index of suspicion is essential for the diagnosis of acute esophageal necrosis.
Keywords: black esophagus; endoscopy; esophageal necrosis; hemodynamic instability.
© 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of The American College of Gastroenterology.