Endoscopy 2013; 45(S 02): E237
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1256630
Cases and Techniques Library (CTL)
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Black esophagus complicating variceal bleeding

B. Maroy
GastroBBMM, Soyaux, France
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
05 September 2013 (online)

An 81-year-old frail Caucasian man experienced a first episode of acute variceal bleeding complicating portal hypertension. He had undergone right hepatectomy plus resection of hepatic segment 4 for a large, right-sided hepatoma 6 years previously. This had been followed by treatment with radioactive iodine (131I-Lipiodol), which had caused veno-occlusive disease in the remaining segments 2 and 3 leading to severe portal hypertension.

He was hospitalized for hematemesis. His hemoglobin had fallen from 120 g/L to 68 g/L. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed grade 3 varices covered by a black, necrotic mucosa at 30 – 40 cm from the incisors ([Fig. 1]).

Zoom Image
Fig. 1 Black esophagus with underlying grade 3 varices.

Ligation of the varices was not impeded and the hemorrhage stopped. The mucosa had returned to normal 7 days later, and further ligations were performed.

Black esophagus is caused by mucosal necrosis, which is linked to trauma and ischemia, usually in a debilitate individual [1] [2]. The condition usually regresses with supportive care and perforation due to transmural necrosis is exceptional except when caused by caustic burns. In the present case, the ischemia was due to decreased blood flow linked to the variceal hemorrhage. This is a cause that has not been previously reported.

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_CCL_1AB_2AC_3AH

 
  • References

  • 1 Goldenberg SP, Wain SL, Marignani P. Acute necrotizing esophagitis. Gastroenterology 1990; 98: 493-496
  • 2 Guvitz G. Black esophagus: acute esophageal necrosis syndrome. World J Gastroenterol 2010; 16: 3219-3225