Black Esophagus in the Setting of Alcohol Abuse after External Beam Radiation

Abstract

Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN), black esophagus, or Gurvits syndrome is a rare clinical disorder characterized by a striking endoscopic appearance of necrotic esophageal mucosa, universally affecting the distal esophagus and ending abruptly at the gastroesophageal junction. It has been gaining traction as a demonstrable cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the 21st century. Its pathophysiology is multifactorial affecting men and the elderly disproportionally, with a mortality rate nearing 36%. AEN has been associated with numerous conditions in the past, and we aim to present an unusual case of AEN on the setting of chronic alcohol use.

Keywords

• black esophagus
• acute esophageal necrosis
• gurvits syndrome
• necrotizing esophagitis