A condition characterized by necrosis of the mucosal and submucosal layers of the esophagus not related to ingestion of caustic or other injurious agents. Endoscopically, there is a dark lesion ('black esophagus') distributed in a circumferential manner in the distal one-third of the esophagus with or without exudates. There is involvement of the distal esophagus ending sharply at the gastroesophageal junction.