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PatientPlus articles are written for doctors and so the language can be technical. However, some people find that they add depth to the articles found in the other sections of this website which are written for non-medical people.

Mallory-Weiss Syndrome

This is haematemesis from a tear in the oesophagus, brought on by prolonged vomiting (any cause), and causes ~10% of upper GI bleeds, and 10% of these cause significant hypovolaemia1. It is quite frequently associated with an hiatus hernia. Alcoholics and patients on dialysis are most susceptible2. The tears are usually longitudinal and linear or star shaped.

Diagnosis: Endoscopy.3

Management: Course is generally benign unless complicated with mediastinitis, aspiration pneumonia or hepatic insufficiency. Occasionally endoscopic sclerotherapy, electrocoagulation or YAG laser treatment is necessary to stop bleeding.

References:

  1. Dent J; Diseases of the oesophagus; OTM 3e p1873
  2. Silverstein FE and Tytgat GNJ; Atlas of gastrointestinal endoscopy; 2e (1991) (Gower Pub)
  3. The Endoscopy Learning Centre Images of Mallory-Weiss Syndrome

Acknowledgements The final copy has passed peer review of the independent Mentor GP authoring team. ŠEMIS 2006.

Last issued 30 Aug 2006



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