Abstract
ABSTRACTAcute esophageal necrosis (AEN), also known as “black esophagus,” is an entity characterized by the circumferential black appearance of esophageal mucosa, usually associated with hypoperfusion and gastric outlet obstruction. This entity has a reported prevalence of up to 0.2%, affecting predominantly elderly men with multiple comorbidities. Most cases resolve with conservative treatment with no need of surgical intervention. However, the overall prognosis is poor, with mortality reaching one-third of cases due to the patient’s underlying illness. In this article we present three cases of patients with AEN.
Highlights
Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN), known as “black esophagus,” is an entity characterized by the circumferential black appearance of esophageal mucosa, usually associated with hypoperfusion and gastric outlet obstruction
AEN is a rare condition with a low prevalence and is associated with esophageal hypoperfusion and gastric outlet obstruction
Older age, multiple comorbidities are some of the risk factors associated with black esophagus
Summary
“Black esophagus,” a term used to mention acute esophageal necrosis (AEN), corresponds to the endoscopic, circumferential, black appearance of the distal esophagus. AEN is a rare condition with a low prevalence and is associated with esophageal hypoperfusion and gastric outlet obstruction. According to some endoscopic series, AEN prevalence ranges between 0.01% and 0.2%. AEN is being increasingly recognized as a cause of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, and its actual prevalence is thought to be higher due to subclinical presentations and the lack of endoscopic examinations in every critical ill patient.[1,2]. AEN prognosis is poor due to the severity of the underlying disease rather than the black esophagus itself.[2]. This article aims to review AEN and presents three case reports diagnosed at our institution
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