Mallory-Weiss syndrome may be initially asymptomatic, especially in mild cases, when mucosal lacerations produce minimal bleeding and spontaneously heal without treatment. However, the majority of patients present with hematemesis and melena, accompanied by other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, severe vomiting and involuntary retching [9]. In the case of melena and hematemesis, immediate investigation of the underlying cause should be made, to prevent further blood loss and to establish the source of bleeding. This may be particularly useful in cases when blood loss from mucosal tears in Mallory-Weiss syndrome is profound and possibly life-threatening. In such circumstances patients may experience shock, hypotension and poor general condition, which necessitates immediate treatment [10].

Other conditions that present with hematemesis, such as peptic ulcer disease, esophageal perforation, chronic erosive gastritis and esophageal varices, should be excluded during the diagnostic workup.

• Pain

  Patients with Mallory-Weiss tears present with hematemesis and/or melena, and often with either epigastric or back pain. [visualdx.com]

  The tear may also be accompanied by pain in the lower chest. Diagnosis of Mallory-Weiss syndrome is suggested clinically by a typical history of hematemesis occurring after one or more episodes of non-bloody vomiting. [merckmanuals.com]

  Patient 3 A 10-year-old boy with a 5-year history of recurrent abdominal pain was referred for further evaluation. He reported periumbilical pain that occurred 3 to 4 days per week and lasted from minutes to hours. [journals.lww.com]

  Twenty-seven (41%) patients with Mallory-Weiss tear had no antecedent nausea, retching, abdominal pain or vomiting. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Fever

  The most common symptoms of chikungunya virus infection are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. [gastrointestinalatlas.com]

  […] is mucosal and patient present with upper gi bleed and in Boerhaave's esophagus is perforated through all layers, which basically leads to mediastinitis, which is potentially lethal, and manifests with very severe substernal pain initially and then fever [prep4usmle.com]

  After the endoscopy, he developed a fever with large-quantity diarrhea, acute gastroenteritis was therefore suspected as a cause of the vomiting. He received conservative treatment, and was discharged 4 days after admission. [ci.nii.ac.jp]

  Although 7 per cent of patients may be asymptomatic, oesophageal perforation usually causes severe thoracic pain, followed by fever, dysphagia, mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema, and ultimately dyspnoea and systemic sepsis. [ots1.narod.ru]

• Surgical Procedure

  /procedural intervention upper endoscopy first-line treatment for persistent bleeds combined with epinephrine or sclerosant injection, thermal coagulation, banding, or hemoclips to control bleeding angiotherapy often with left gastric artery embolization [step2.medbullets.com]

  Interventional treatment include surgical and non-surgical procedures. [ispub.com]

  Indications for the surgical treatment of Mallory–Weiss syndrome are decreasing, and no definite study has demonstrated the value of one surgical procedure over another. [ots1.narod.ru]

• Pallor

  Signs are pallor; tachyardia; in some patients shock. Prevalent in males, usually onset after 30 years of age - it takes some time and effort to drink that much. First described by Heinrich Irrenaeus Quincke (1842-1922) in 1879. [whonamedit.com]

• Cough

  Mallory-Weiss tears classically follow severe bouts of retching, coughing, or vomiting, all of which result in large spikes in gastric pressure. [pathwaymedicine.org]

  Chronic cough or acute causes of prolonged coughing bouts. For example Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cancer of the lung. Bronchiectasis. Whooping cough. Bronchitis. Hiatus hernia. [patient.info]

  This often results from protracted, forceful vomiting, although shear forces from coughing, convulsions, straining, blunt trauma, or an endoscopy can also cause mucosal tears. [visualdx.com]

  Symptoms A person with this condition will vomit blood or pass black, sticky stools after periods of vomiting, retching or coughing. Immediate medical attention should be sought if these symptoms are present. [cedars-sinai.org]

  He referred a history of several coughing spells prior to the admission, but no vomiting. During the first hours in the hospital, he had repeated episodes of hematemesis. [giejournal.org]

• Pleural Effusion

  effusion, Mediastinal widening, Subcutaneous emphysema, Nacleiro sign [a V-shaped radiolucency seen through the heart representing air in the left lower mediastinum that dissects under the left diaphragmatic pleura] In neonatal rupture, pneumomediastinum [prep4usmle.com]

• Vomiting

  Forceful vomiting causes tearing of the mucosa at the junction. NSAID abuse is also a rare association.[4] In rare instances some chronic disorders like Ménière's disease that cause long term nausea and vomiting could be a factor. [en.wikipedia.org]

  The classic presentation for the Mallory Weiss tear is a sequence of events beginning with nausea and vomiting followed soon by hematemesis. A 43 year-old man who had been drinking alcoholic beverages, after that, he undergone vomiting and bleeding. [gastrointestinalatlas.com]

  The first symptom of Mallory-Weiss syndrome is usually the appearance of bright-red blood in vomit. Vomiting blood is called hematemesis. Some people feel sharp pain in the lower chest when the esophagus tears during vomiting. [merckmanuals.com]

  Presentation History The classic presentation is of haematemesis following a bout of retching or vomiting. However, a tear may occur after a single vomit. [patient.info]

  Mallory-Weiss tears classically follow severe bouts of retching, coughing, or vomiting, all of which result in large spikes in gastric pressure. [pathwaymedicine.org]

• Hematemesis

  The syndrome presents with hematemesis. The laceration is sometimes referred to as a Mallory–Weiss tear. [en.wikipedia.org]

  This is a 68 year-old, male, who iniciated with hematemesis and melena. A few days before this episode had had chikungunya disease. [gastrointestinalatlas.com]

  In nearly 4000 upper endoscopies performed for hematemesis in adults, MWTs were the cause in 4.2% to 5.5% (20,30). A more common cause of hematemesis in our series was PGS. [journals.lww.com]

  Patients with Mallory-Weiss tears present with hematemesis and/or melena, and often with either epigastric or back pain. [visualdx.com]

  Kenneth Mallory and Soma Weiss in 15 alcoholic patients.[3] See also Boerhaave syndrome Hematemesis References ^ Caroli A, Follador R, Gobbi V, Breda P, Ricci G (1989). "[Mallory-Weiss syndrome. [bionity.com]

• Hiccup

  Discussion Only 2 cases of hiccup-associated Mallory-Weiss tears have been reported previously: one was an infant with postprandial hiccups just before hematemesis. [amjmed.com]

  Mallory–Weiss syndrome refers to the development of mucosal tears at the gastroesophageal junction, commonly due to chronic vomiting, retching, and hiccuping. [symptoma.com]

  Topic Resources Mallory-Weiss syndrome is a nonpenetrating mucosal laceration of the distal esophagus and proximal stomach caused by vomiting, retching, or hiccuping. [merckmanuals.com]

  The lesion, documented by endoscopy, appeared to follow hiccups. The bleeding responded to conservative medical management and resolved without surgical intervention. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Abdominal Pain

  The typical presentation of Mallory-Weiss syndrome includes hematemesis, melena, and sometimes involuntary retching and abdominal pain. [symptoma.com]

  Twenty-seven (41%) patients with Mallory-Weiss tear had no antecedent nausea, retching, abdominal pain or vomiting. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Mucosal gastric tear, only 10% are purely oesophageal: most are at GE junction or proximal stomach, M greater than F, associated with retching, EtOH, massive haematemesis, abdominal pain. [drugs.com]

  The site of the injury occurs in the adjoining part of the stomach. (1, 3, 5) Sign and symptoms Severe vomiting Abdominal pain Blood vomiting Unintentional strong attempt to vomit out (retching) Coughing Hiccups Clotted blood is excreted Dark colored [syndromespedia.com]

  Patient 3 A 10-year-old boy with a 5-year history of recurrent abdominal pain was referred for further evaluation. He reported periumbilical pain that occurred 3 to 4 days per week and lasted from minutes to hours. [journals.lww.com]

• Melena

  Patients with Mallory-Weiss tears present with hematemesis and/or melena, and often with either epigastric or back pain. [visualdx.com]

  This is a 68 year-old, male, who iniciated with hematemesis and melena. A few days before this episode had had chikungunya disease. [gastrointestinalatlas.com]

  Presentation 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. [bionity.com]

  One should suspect and have a low threshold for upper GI endoscopy, when a pregnant patient presents with severe vomiting with clinically apparent GI bleed, melena, or unexplained acute anemia. [joacc.com]

• Tachycardia

  Patient was hemodynamically unstable, with hypotension, sinus tachycardia and postural changes. The laboratory data revealed a severe anemic condition (hemoglobin level: 6.0 g/dL), that required three blood transfusions. Chest X-ray was normal. [giejournal.org]

  […] approximately 5% of all presentations of upper GI bleeds Presentation Symptoms blood in vomit blood in stool dark stools epigastric pain back pain Physical exam upper GI bleed hemodynamic instability can occur with large bleeds signs include hypotension/tachycardia [step2.medbullets.com]

  Hypertensive emergency and ventricular tachycardia after endoscopic epinephrine injection of a Mallory-Weiss tear. Gastrointest Endosc 1994;40:77–78. 8163143. 13. Bataller R, Llach J, Salmerón JM, et al. [e-ce.org]

  D supine with the head of the bed flat, provide supplemental oxygen via non-rebreather mask, place him on a cardiac monitor, which shows sinus tachycardia, and obtain peripheral venous access. [journals.lww.com]

  Surgical endoscopy. 1993 Sep-Oct; [PubMed PMID: 8211627] [12] Stevens PD,Lebwohl O, Hypertensive emergency and ventricular tachycardia after endoscopic epinephrine injection of a Mallory-Weiss tear. [statpearls.com]

• Chest Pain

  Mackler's triad may be seen : Chest pain, vomiting and subcutaneous emphysema Mucosa and submucosa are involved, NOT a complete perforation. [mediconotebook.com]

  […] sricture)  Atypical symp – Angina like chest pain, pulm orAtypical symp – Angina like chest pain, pulm or laryngeal symplaryngeal symp 9. [slideshare.net]

  But, you may have some of these signs and symptoms: Vomit that is bright red or that looks like coffee grounds Black or tar-like stools Stools with blood present Weakness, dizziness, faintness Shortness of breath Diarrhea Paleness Abdominal or chest pain [hopkinsmedicine.org]

• Erythema

  The stomach showed antral erythema, without ulceration, erosion, or nodularity. On retroflexion, a discrete area of erythema and friability was seen on the lesser curvature of the stomach; blood was oozing from this area. [journals.lww.com]

• Confusion

  This syndrome must not be confused with Boerhaave's syndrome - where there is a spontaneous perforation of a non-diseased oesophagus - or with an intramural rupture. [gpnotebook.com]

  You are confused or less alert than usual. Your heartbeat or breathing is faster than usual. You are lightheaded, dizzy, or faint. You are sweating and your skin is pale. Your lips or fingernails are blue. You are urinating little or not at all. [drugs.com]

Whenever patients present with hematemesis, Mallory-Weiss syndrome should be suspected, particularly if vomiting or retching is also present. The diagnosis is made by physical examination, while a definite diagnosis is obtained through performing esophagogastroduodenoscopy [11], which comprises inspection of the upper GI tract with an endoscope inserted through the oral cavity and esophagus. The diagnosis is made by visualization of the mucosal tears, while a complete blood count (CBC) should be performed, to assess the severity of bleeding [12]. Hemoglobin, as well as hematocrit, should be monitored, especially in patients who reported severe hematemesis.

• Left Pleural Effusion

  […] posterolateral wall of the distal esophagus X-ray : Mediastinal emphysema, Left pleural effusion, Mediastinal widening, Subcutaneous emphysema, Nacleiro sign [a V-shaped radiolucency seen through the heart representing air in the left lower mediastinum [prep4usmle.com]

• Pleural Effusion

  effusion, Mediastinal widening, Subcutaneous emphysema, Nacleiro sign [a V-shaped radiolucency seen through the heart representing air in the left lower mediastinum that dissects under the left diaphragmatic pleura] In neonatal rupture, pneumomediastinum [prep4usmle.com]

Mucosal tears that occur in Mallory-Weiss syndrome may spontaneously heal in mild cases, but in cases with significant blood loss and risk of recurrent bleeding, appropriate therapeutic steps must be taken [13].

Symptomatic therapy, including the administration of fluids and hydration, histamine receptor antagonists, and proton pump inhibitors [14], should be given to suppress vomiting and nausea in these patients, in order to try and minimize further aggravation of mucosal tears and bleeding. Blood transfusion is necessary only in cases of severe blood loss and markedly decreased hemoglobin values.

Endoscopic hemostasis can be performed in patients who have recurrent episodes of bleeding, usually by injection of ethanol or epinephrine onto the mucosal tears, or through electrocauterization techniques. Alternatively, systemic administration of vasopressors or angiography-guided embolization of blood vessels, principally the left gastric artery, may be necessary to control bleeding.

Endoscopic procedures, such as band ligation technique, and clipping, may be also used to reverse the bleeding from mucosal tears.

In the majority of the cases, bleeding from the mucosal tears is self-limited, and does not require major treatment. Patients without coexistent diseases are at the lowest risk for severe bleeding and recurrences. However, bleeding may recur, and usually occurs within 24 hours after the initial episode [8]. Recurrent bleeding phenomena are associated with risk factors such as older age, aspirin/NSAID use and presence of other comorbidities, such as chronic liver disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and renal failure. These patients may require more intensive treatment and should be evaluated thoroughly, in order to prevent further complications.

Irritation of the gastroesophageal junction and development of mucosal tears can occur as a result of any disease which causes vomiting, retching, and hiccuping:

• Gastrointestinal diseases, including food poisoning (if the causative agents are either peptic ulcer disease, intussusception [3], gastroparesis 
• Hepatobiliary diseases, including hepatitis (regardless of the cause, different forms of hepatitis may present with persistent vomiting), portal hypertension cholecystitis.
• Renal diseases, including urinary tract infection, renal failure and ureteropelvic obstruction.
• Neurological diseases, such as migraines, meningitis.
• Malignant diseases of various origins may present with vomiting, while patients on chemotherapy may also experience persistent emesis.
• Vomiting during pregnancy - hyperemesis gravidarum can be a predisposing factor for the development of Mallory-Weiss syndrome, which is not uncommon among pregnant women.
• Psychiatric conditions, such as anorexia and bulimia may contribute to the development of mucosal tears.
• Hiatal hernia [4].

Other factors, such as alcohol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and esophageal instrumentation have been associated with increased risk for Mallory-Weiss syndrome. Persistent cough has also been proposed as a risk factor [5].

Bleeding of the upper gastrointestinal tract is commonly seen in the hospital setting, with an incidence between 50-150 per 100,000 individuals per year, and Mallory-Weiss syndrome is responsible for about 10% of all cases of upper GI bleeding in adults [6], at the same time comprising less than 1% in children. It has been observed more commonly in men than in women, with non-specific racial predilection. Patients who present with Mallory-Weiss syndrome are usually between 30 and 50 years, and recurrent episodes of bleeding may be observed in up to 15% of cases [7].

Mucosal lacerations of the gastroesophageal junction occur due to chronic and persistent pressure on the mucosal surfaces, which most commonly occur in vomiting, retching, or hiccuping. The pathogenesis comprises sudden increases in intragastric pressure, as well as distension, which leads to forceful ejection of acidic content of the stomach and damage to the mucosal surfaces. Additionally, significant changes in pressure along the gastric wall also contribute to the development of these tears, because distortion of the gastric cardia occurs as a result of changes in intrathoracic and intragastric pressures. The most prominent risk factor is the presence of a hiatal hernia, which is quite commonly observed in patients who develop mucosal tears, while other underlying conditions, such as portal hypertension (which may lead to the development of esophageal varices), and liver failure have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of this condition.

Once the mucosal tears are formed, they can become a source of bleeding if further aggravated, which is why it is imperative to promptly obtain a diagnosis of this condition.

Prevention of Mallory-Weiss syndrome does not encompass specific measures because mucosal tears at the gastroesophageal junction may occur without history of prior illnesses and may be asymptomatic. Nevertheless, an early diagnosis may allow for better monitoring of the disease and patients with unexplained retching, vomiting and hiccuping should immediately report these complaints to a physician, because an early diagnosis may prevent complications such as severe or recurrent bleeding. Patients with a hiatal hernia and other associated risk factors should be treated accordingly, in order to prevent the development of mucosal tears. Alcohol should be avoided, because it can cause deal damage directly to the mucosa through its effects, or indirectly, through liver intoxication and development of liver cirrhosis, which leads to portal hypertension, another risk factor for the development of mucosal tears.

Mallory-Weiss syndrome demarcates a nontransmural mucosal laceration (tear) of the esophagus and the stomach at the gastroesophageal junction. The majority of patients develop a single tear, while almost 20% of individuals develop two or more tears [1]. These tears develop as a result of persistent and chronic injury to the esophagus, which can be caused by prolonged retching, vomiting, or hiccuping, usually from an underlying gastrointestinal or hepatobiliary disease, but this syndrome may appear in a range of other conditions as well. Initially, alcoholic binge drinking was established as the main risk factor for the development of mucosal tears [2], but they have been observed and diagnosed in many non-alcoholic patients, with some other diseases as predisposing conditions. Other risk factors, such as the presence of a hiatal hernia and dyspepsia have been established, while women suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy are also prone to developing Mallory-Weiss syndrome. Mucosal tears at the gastroesophageal junction most likely occur because of sudden changes in intragastric pressure (i.e vomiting, retching), or it may occur as a result of rapid changes in the pressure across the gastric wall, as well as a result of reflux of acidic content from the stomach. 

This syndrome is most commonly encountered among adults, while its occurrence among the pediatric population is rare. The typical presentation of Mallory-Weiss syndrome includes hematemesis, melena, and sometimes involuntary retching and abdominal pain. The diagnosis is made clinically and is confirmed by performing esophagogastroduodenoscopy, to allow for direct visualization of the gastroesophageal junction and identification of the source of bleeding. Treatment consists of stabilizing the patient, since it is not uncommon for patients to vomit large amounts of blood, which may lead to hypotension and shock. Cessation of bleeding should also be accomplished through different techniques. Treatment of the underlying cause is mandatory, in order to prevent other complications.

Mallory-Weiss syndrome is a disease which involves tears in the lining of the esophagus at the site of the junction with the stomach and it most commonly occurs after persistent and severe vomiting, retching, hiccuping and coughing as well. There are numerous diseases in which vomiting may be a symptom, including food poisoning, peptic ulcer disease, hepatitis, anorexia, bulimia, vomiting during pregnancy, and many other which make individuals prone to developing these esophageal tears. It is most commonly observed in adults, while children rarely develop this syndrome. Men are more frequently affected than women.

Mallory-Weiss syndrome usually presents with vomiting of blood, which can be accompanied by abdominal pain and black stools. Vomiting of blood may be mild, or it may be severe enough to require intravenous hydration and blood transfusion. For these reasons, all patients who have vomiting of blood as a symptom are thoroughly evaluated, in order to identify the cause and source of bleeding, as it may be life-threatening. In most cases, a procedure called esophagogastroduodenoscopy will be performed, which consists of inserting a tube into the esophagus through the oral cavity that contains a camera at its end and inspects the esophagus and the stomach. The location and source of bleeding may be visualized and the diagnosis of Mallory-Weiss syndrome can be made.

After the diagnosis is made, patients are usually treated based on the severity of bleeding. Therapy includes medications to suppress vomiting and gastrointestinal disturbance, but also hydration and, in severe cases, blood transfusions. Cauterization (burning of tissue to stop the bleeding) and injection of certain agents that cause constriction of blood vessels are also an option. Surgery is rarely performed, and is reserved for those with severe and recurrent bleeding which does not resolve with adequate treatment.

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