J Gastroenterol Hepatol Endosc | Volume 4, Issue 5 | Review Article | Open Access
Ma Charisse P Menchavez* and Karen S Batoctoy
Department of Internal Medicine, Cebu Velez General Hospital, Philippines
*Correspondance to: Ma Charisse P Menchavez
Fulltext PDFBackground: Acute Esophageal Necrosis, also known as Gurvits Syndrome and commonly referred to as Black Esophagus, is a rare life threatening clinical entity with an estimated prevalence of 1 to 200 in 100,000. Only 88 patients over a span of 40 years have been reported with no published report among the Filipino population. Acute Esophageal Necrosis arises from a multifactorial background of ischemic insult from hemodynamic compromise and low-flow states, corrosive injury, and inadequate mucosal barrier function, usually in the setting of critical conditions. Case: This is a case of a 78-year-old Filipino patient who developed hematemesis in the setting of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a distinctly diffuse circumferential necrosis of the esophagus alone with abrupt demarcation at the gastro esophageal junction. Repeat endoscopy seven days after the episode showed pink mucosa after appropriate glycemic control, bowel rest and hemodynamic stabilization. Conclusion: This is a report of a rare clinical disease in a male Filipino patient who presented with hematemesis and a distinct isolated esophageal necrosis on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The potential reversibility of this life threatening condition emphasizes the importance of timely recognition and appropriate management.
Gurvits syndrome; Black esophagus; Acute esophageal necrosis
Menchavez MCP, Batoctoy KS. Acute Esophageal Necrosis (Gurvits Syndrome) in a 78-Year-Old Male Filipino Patient: A Case. J Gastroenterol Hepatol Endosc. 2019;4(5):1071..