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Mallory-Weiss tear - Overview

Alternative Names

Mucosal lacerations - gastroesophageal junction

Definition of Mallory-Weiss tear:

A Mallory-Weiss tear occurs in the mucous membrane of the esophagus, where it connects to the stomach. The tear may bleed.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Mallory-Weiss tears do not happen very often. They are usually caused by forceful or long-term 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.

Digestive system

Mallory-Weiss tear

Stomach and stomach lining

Reviewed last on: 12/19/2008
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Bjorkman DJ. Gastrointestinal hemorrhage and occult gastrointestinal bleeding. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 137.

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