Acute Esophageal Necrosis Following Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN) is a rare syndrome characterized by circumferential blackening of the esophageal mucosa extending from the gastroesophageal (GE) junction and affecting variable length of the organ. Its etiology is largely multifactorial including ischemic compromise, massive reflux of gastric secretions, and decreased mucosal defense. Endoscopy is diagnostic. Clinical management requires treatment of underlying condition, nil-per-os restriction, and anti-acids. Esophageal stricture or stenosis may be seen as late complication, managed symptomatically with dilatation. Mortality is high and related to associated medical conditions. We present the first case of AEN following orthotopic liver transplantation.