Acute Esophageal Necrosis Following Acetaminophen Overdose: An Unreported Cause of Black Esophagus

Authors

Karolina N. Dziadkowiec, University of Miami, Miller School of MedicineFollow
Renuka Reddy, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
Akiva J. Marcus, HCA Florida JFK Hospital

Keywords

esophageal diseases; necrosis; drug overdose; attempted suicide; esophagitis; acetaminophen/poisoning; AEN; esophagus; endoscopy

Disciplines

Gastroenterology

Abstract

Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN), also known as “black esophagus” or Gurvits syndrome, is an uncommon finding with an unclear etiology and pathogenesis. This condition often presents as an upper gastrointestinal bleed in older men with multiple comorbidities. AEN is characterized by circumferential black, necrotic mucosa in the esophagus. We present a case of AEN following acetaminophen overdose. The patient was ultimately discharged from the hospital with oral omeprazole twice daily, a clear liquid diet, and a recommendation for follow-up in the outpatient setting for repeat EGD in 4 to 6 weeks. Acetaminophen overdose, although a rare cause, must be considered as a possible etiology of AEN.

Recommended Citation

Dziadkowiec, Karolina N.; Reddy, Renuka; and Marcus, Akiva J. (2022) "Acute Esophageal Necrosis Following Acetaminophen Overdose: An Unreported Cause of Black Esophagus," HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine: Vol. 3: Iss. 2, Article 2.
DOI: 10.36518/2689-0216.1082
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.hcahealthcare.com/hcahealthcarejournal/vol3/iss2/2