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Sudden death due to black esophagus: a case report
Aurélien Venara1, Aude Helene Pavageau, Clotilde Rouge Maillart
1Department of Forensic Science, Angers University Hospital, LUNAM University, Angers, France.
The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|October 27, 2012
Summary
Black esophagus, or acute esophageal necrosis syndrome, is a rare but fatal condition. Forensic examiners can diagnose this pathology macroscopically during autopsy, aiding prompt case resolution.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Black esophagus, or acute esophageal necrosis syndrome, is a rare and often fatal condition.
- Diagnosis is typically made during autopsy and can be confirmed via macroscopic examination.
Observation:
- This report details a case of an elderly deceased male presenting with black esophagus.
- Microscopic examination was performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Findings:
- Black esophagus is identifiable through macroscopic autopsy examination.
- Microscopic analysis confirmed the presence of acute esophageal necrosis.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of black esophagus among forensic examiners is crucial for rapid diagnosis.
- Prompt diagnosis facilitates timely release of the deceased to their families.
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