Acute oesophageal necrosis: a case report and review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
We discuss a case of acute oesophageal necrosis and undertook a literature review of this rare diagnosis.


METHODS
The literature review was performed using Medline and relevant references from the published literature.


RESULTS
One hundred and twelve cases were identified on reviewing the literature with upper gastrointestinal bleeding being the commonest presenting feature. The majority of cases were male and the mean age of presentation is 68.4 years. This review of the literature shows a mortality rate of 38%.


CONCLUSIONS
Acute necrotizing oesophagitis is a serious clinical condition and is more common than previously thought. It should be suspected in those with upper GI bleed and particularly the elderly with comorbid illness. Early diagnosis with endoscopy and active management will lead towards an improvement in patient outcome.
Day
Andrew
A
Worthing and Southlands Hospitals NHS Trust, Worthing Hospital, Lyndhurst Road, Worthing BN11 2DH, UK. daylad24@hotmail.com
Sayegh
Mazin
M
D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D009336:Necrosis