Septic shock-related acute esophageal necrosis and stenosis: three cases of acquired esophageal stenosis presenting a similar clinical course

Abstract

We present a case of acute esophageal necrosis (AEN) and two acquired esophageal stenosis cases which showed a similar clinical course after an episode of septic shock. Extensive stenosis of the distal esophagus developed in all cases, which were refractory to dilation therapy and required surgical intervention. The etiology of the latter two cases was deduced from the stenosis after septic shock-induced AEN. Since the diagnosis of AEN is based on its characteristic endoscopic findings which can only be confirmed at the onset of the disease, we therefore called these cases “septic shock-related esophageal stenosis” or abbreviated to “septic esophageal stenosis”. Further study of similar cases is required for understanding the etiology and management of AEN and the relevant disorder which may cause esophageal stenosis.