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Alternative names Return to top
Mucosal lacerations - gastroesophageal junctionDefinition Return to top
A Mallory-Weiss tear occurs in the mucous membrane at the junction of the esophagus and the stomach, causing bleeding.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Mallory-Weiss tears are usually caused by forceful or prolonged vomiting or coughing. They may also be caused by epileptic convulsions.
The tear may be followed by vomiting bright red blood or by passing blood in the stool. Any condition that leads to violent and lengthy bouts of coughing or vomiting can cause these tears.
The incidence is 4 in 100,000 people.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
The tear usually heals in about 10 days without special treatment. Surgery is rarely required. Prescription antacids (proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers) may be given.
If blood loss has been great, blood transfusions may be necessary. Excessive bleeding may need to be treated by using an endoscope (see EGD).
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Recurrent bleeding is uncommon, and the outcome is expected to be good.Complications Return to top
Hemorrhage (loss of blood)
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you begin vomiting blood or if you pass bloody stools.Prevention Return to top
Measures to relieve vomiting and coughing may reduce risk. Avoid excessive alcohol use. Update Date: 1/13/2003 Updated by: Andrew J. Muir, M.D., M.H.S., Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |