[Black esophagus related to acute esophageal necrosis: a new case].

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic discovery of a black esophagus due to acute necrosis is quite exceptional excepting cases of poisoning. CASE REPORT: A 48-year-old man suffered acute necrosis of the esophagus giving a black aspect at endoscopy. Soon after the exploration he developed a state of shock with hematemesis related to a bulbar ulcer. The patient was given a short regimen of parenteral nutrition and sodium pump inhibitors and the course was rapidly favorable both locally and generally. DISCUSSION: There have been 27 such cases reported in the literature. Ischemia appears to be the main pathogenic mechanism. Prognosis depends on the patientis general status rather than the aspect of the esophageal lesions.