Publication Date

2019

Journal Title

Case Rep Gastroenterol

Abstract

© 2019 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel. Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN), also known as Gurvits syndrome, black esophagus, or acute necrotizing esophagitis, is a rare clinical entity and an unusual reason for upper gastrointestinal bleeding. It is typically described in critically ill patients with multiple medical conditions, arising from a combination of ischemic insult to the esophageal mucosa due to low-flow vascular states, corrosive injury caused by reflux of acid and pepsin, and decreased function of the mucosal barrier systems and reparative mechanisms as occurs in malnourished and debilitated physical states. Patients with AEN tend to be older men, as medical comorbidities including vascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, renal insufficiency, cardiac disease, pulmonary disease, stroke, and cirrhosis may be more common. Typically, patients present with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and hematemesis or melena is seen in up to 90% of cases. Herein we present 3 cases of AEN in critically ill patients. We also provide a review of the literature to highlight what is currently known about this relatively uncommon esophageal disease.

Volume Number

13

Issue Number

1

Pages

25 - 31

Document Type

Article

Status

Faculty, Northwell Researcher

Facility

School of Medicine; Northwell Health

Primary Department

Gastroenterology

PMID

31182940

DOI

10.1159/000496385


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