The dark side of the esophagus

Daniela Martins; Rita Marques; Pedro Costa; João Pinto de Sousa

doi:10.4322/acr.2021.284

Clinical Case Report

The dark side of the esophagus

Daniela Martins; Rita Marques; Pedro Costa; João Pinto de Sousa

http://dx.doi.org/10.4322/acr.2021.284 Autops Case Rep, vol.11, e2021284, 2021

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Abstract

Acute 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.

Keywords

Acute esophageal necrosis, Black esophagus, Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, Ischemia, Endoscopy Gastrointestinal

References

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Submitted date:
02/11/2021

Accepted date:
04/02/2021

Publication date:
05/06/2021

The dark side of the esophagus

Daniela Martins; Rita Marques; Pedro Costa; João Pinto de Sousa

Abstract

Keywords

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