Mallory-Weiss syndrome (MWS) is defined by the presence of longitudinal mucosal lacerations in the distal esophagus Esophagus The esophagus is a muscular tube-shaped organ of around 25 centimeters in length that connects the pharynx to the stomach. The organ extends from approximately the 6th cervical vertebra to the 11th thoracic vertebra and can be divided grossly into 3 parts: the cervical part, the thoracic part, and the abdominal part. Esophagus: Anatomy and proximal stomach Stomach The stomach is a muscular sac in the upper left portion of the abdomen that plays a critical role in digestion. The stomach develops from the foregut and connects the esophagus with the duodenum. Structurally, the stomach is C-shaped and forms a greater and lesser curvature and is divided grossly into regions: the cardia, fundus, body, and pylorus. Stomach: Anatomy, which are usually associated with any action that provokes a sudden rise in intraluminal esophageal pressure, such as forceful or recurrent retching, vomiting Vomiting The forcible expulsion of the contents of the stomach through the mouth. Hypokalemia, coughing, or straining. Hematemesis results from bleeding from submucosal blood vessels and is self-limited in 80%–90% of patients Patients Individuals participating in the health care system for the purpose of receiving therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive procedures. Clinician–Patient Relationship. Treatment includes gastric acid Gastric acid Hydrochloric acid present in gastric juice. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) suppression Suppression Defense Mechanisms, endoscopic intervention, and angiotherapy if there is active bleeding. Blood transfusions Blood transfusions The introduction of whole blood or blood component directly into the bloodstream. Transfusion Products and surgery are not usually required.
Last updated: 10 Sep, 2021
Risk factors
Diagnosis is established by endoscopy Endoscopy Procedures of applying endoscopes for disease diagnosis and treatment. Endoscopy involves passing an optical instrument through a small incision in the skin i.e., percutaneous; or through a natural orifice and along natural body pathways such as the digestive tract; and/or through an incision in the wall of a tubular structure or organ, i.e. Transluminal, to examine or perform surgery on the interior parts of the body. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), which shows a longitudinal tear (usually single) limited to the mucosa and submucosa at the gastroesophageal junction Gastroesophageal junction The area covering the terminal portion of esophagus and the beginning of stomach at the cardiac orifice. Esophagus: Anatomy.
Endoscopic image of a Mallory-Weiss tear
Image: “Mallory Weiss Tear” by Samir. License: CC BY-SA 3.0Mallory-Weiss tear (green arrow) as visualized on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Image: “Mallory-Weiss syndrome” by Zhao Y, Wang L, Si J. License: CC BY 3.0, edited by Lecturio.