Mallory-Weiss syndrome: Difference between revisions
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'''Mallory-Weiss syndrome''' refers to bleeding from tears (a ''Mallory-Weiss tear'') in the [[mucosa]] at the junction of the [[stomach]] and [[esophagus]], usually caused by severe retching, [[cough]]ing, or [[vomiting]]. It is often associated with [[alcoholism]] and [[eating disorders]] and there is some evidence that presence of a [[hiatus hernia|hiatal hernia]] is a required predisposing condition. | '''Mallory-Weiss syndrome''' refers to bleeding from tears (a ''Mallory-Weiss tear'') in the [[mucosa]] at the junction of the [[stomach]] and [[esophagus]], usually caused by severe retching, [[cough]]ing, or [[vomiting]]. It is often associated with [[alcoholism]] and [[eating disorders]] and there is some evidence that presence of a [[hiatus hernia|hiatal hernia]] is a required predisposing condition. | ||
==Historical Perspective== | |||
The condition was first described in 1929 by G. Kenneth Mallory and [[Soma Weiss]] in 15 alcoholic patients. | |||
==Diagnosis== | |||
===Symptoms=== | |||
Mallory-Weiss syndrome often presents as an episode of vomiting up blood ([[hematemesis]]) after violent retching or vomiting, but may also be noticed as old blood in the stool ([[melena]]), and a history of retching may be absent. In most cases, the bleeding stops spontaneously after 24-48 hours, but endoscopic or surgical treatment is sometimes required and rarely the condition is fatal. | Mallory-Weiss syndrome often presents as an episode of vomiting up blood ([[hematemesis]]) after violent retching or vomiting, but may also be noticed as old blood in the stool ([[melena]]), and a history of retching may be absent. In most cases, the bleeding stops spontaneously after 24-48 hours, but endoscopic or surgical treatment is sometimes required and rarely the condition is fatal. | ||
Definitive diagnosis is by [[Esophagogastroduodenoscopy|endoscopy]]. | ===Endoscopy=== | ||
Definitive diagnosis is by [[Esophagogastroduodenoscopy|endoscopy]]. | |||
==Treatment== | |||
Treatment is usually supportive as persistent bleeding is uncommon. However [[cauterization]] or injection of [[epinephrine]] to stop the bleeding may be undertaken during the index endoscopy procedure. Very rarely [[embolization]] of the arteries supplying the region may be required to stop the bleeding. | |||
==Related Chapters== | |||
*[[Boerhaave syndrome]] | *[[Boerhaave syndrome]] | ||
*[[Hematemesis]] | *[[Hematemesis]] | ||
Revision as of 00:16, 1 August 2011
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Overview
Mallory-Weiss syndrome refers to bleeding from tears (a Mallory-Weiss tear) in the mucosa at the junction of the stomach and esophagus, usually caused by severe retching, coughing, or vomiting. It is often associated with alcoholism and eating disorders and there is some evidence that presence of a hiatal hernia is a required predisposing condition.
Historical Perspective
The condition was first described in 1929 by G. Kenneth Mallory and Soma Weiss in 15 alcoholic patients.
Diagnosis
Symptoms
Mallory-Weiss syndrome often presents as an episode of vomiting up blood (hematemesis) after violent retching or vomiting, but may also be noticed as old blood in the stool (melena), and a history of retching may be absent. In most cases, the bleeding stops spontaneously after 24-48 hours, but endoscopic or surgical treatment is sometimes required and rarely the condition is fatal.
Endoscopy
Definitive diagnosis is by endoscopy.
Treatment
Treatment is usually supportive as persistent bleeding is uncommon. However cauterization or injection of epinephrine to stop the bleeding may be undertaken during the index endoscopy procedure. Very rarely embolization of the arteries supplying the region may be required to stop the bleeding.
Related Chapters
References
- Weiss S, Mallory GK. Lesions of the cardiac orifice of the stomach produced by vomiting. Journal of the American Medical Association 1932;98:1353-55.
- Cecil Textbook of Medicine
- eMedicine free password needed
- The Oxford Textbook of Medicine