Stent as a solution for perforation of the “black esophagus”

Summary: “Black esophagus”, also known as acute esophageal necrosis (AEN), is a relatively rare disease characterized by black discoloration of the esophageal mucosa. The condition can be located only distally, but it can also affect the entire esophagus. Hematemesis is the most common clinical manifestation is; the condition is associated with increased lethality in high-risk groups of patients. Early diagnosis of AEN can be made by gastroscopy, the initiation of adequate treatment is crucial for a favorable patient prognosis. The most serious complications of AEN include esophageal perforation with the risk of other complications such as mediastinitis and sepsis. The nature of the disease and the affection of the esophagus and potentially the mediastinum require a multidisciplinary approach. Below we present a case report of a 68-year-old patient with a diagnosis of AEN complicated by perforation confirmed by CT and early endoscopy. An endoscopic approach with the introduction of a fully coated metal stent was chosen as the primary solution for the esophageal perforation. Nevertheless, the patient developed other complications of perforation: mediastinitis and empyema requiring chest drainage. In addition to interventional methods, the patient was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and a combination of parenteral and enteral nutrition. After 3 months of treatment and resolving the complications, the patient was released to outpatient care in a good clinical condition. Key words: acute esophageal necrosis – oesophageal perforation – mediastinitis – Danis stent – metallic stent