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Gastroenterology8 papers

Mallory-Weiss syndrome

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

Mallory-Weiss syndrome involves tears in the mucosa at the gastroesophageal junction, often precipitated by forceful vomiting or retching, leading to upper gastrointestinal bleeding. 135

Diagnosis

  • Clinical Presentation: Hematemesis or melena.
  • Endoscopic Findings: Visible mucosal tears at the gastroesophageal junction.
  • Diagnostic Tests: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is definitive for diagnosis. 135
  • Management

  • First-Line Treatments:
  • - Endoscopic Hemoclip Placement (EHP): Effective for achieving primary hemostasis. - Endoscopic Band Ligation (EBL): Equally effective as EHP for hemostasis. 1
  • Adjunctive Treatments:
  • - Blood transfusion as needed for hemodynamic instability. - Prokinetic agents or intravenous fluids to manage bleeding and support hemodynamics. 1

    Special Populations

  • Post-Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Recognize Mallory-Weiss tears as a potential complication; careful technique during CPR may prevent occurrence. 2
  • Other Specific Groups: No specific management differences noted for pediatrics, elderly, or those with comorbidities based on provided abstracts. 12345
  • Key Recommendations

  • Use Endoscopic Hemoclip Placement or Endoscopic Band Ligation for actively bleeding Mallory-Weiss syndrome: Both methods are equally effective and safe for achieving hemostasis. (Evidence: Strong 1)
  • Consider Mallory-Weiss tears as a potential complication post-CPR: Vigilance and careful technique during CPR can help prevent this complication. (Evidence: Moderate 2)
  • Endoscopic evaluation is crucial for diagnosis: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is essential for confirming the diagnosis and guiding treatment. (Evidence: Strong 135)
  • References

    1 Cho YS, Chae HS, Kim HK, Kim JS, Kim BW, Kim SS et al.. Endoscopic band ligation and endoscopic hemoclip placement for patients with Mallory-Weiss syndrome and active bleeding. World journal of gastroenterology 2008. link 2 Norfleet RG, Smith GH. Mallory-Weiss syndrome after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Journal of clinical gastroenterology 1990. link 3 Merrill JR. Snore-induced Mallory-Weiss syndrome. Journal of clinical gastroenterology 1987. link 4 Romeu J. Pseudotumor in the Mallory-Weiss syndrome. The American journal of gastroenterology 1978. link 5 Axon AT, Clarke A. Haematemesis: a new syndrome?. British medical journal 1975. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Endoscopic band ligation and endoscopic hemoclip placement for patients with Mallory-Weiss syndrome and active bleeding.Cho YS, Chae HS, Kim HK, Kim JS, Kim BW, Kim SS et al. World journal of gastroenterology (2008)
    2. [2]
      Mallory-Weiss syndrome after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.Norfleet RG, Smith GH Journal of clinical gastroenterology (1990)
    3. [3]
      Snore-induced Mallory-Weiss syndrome.Merrill JR Journal of clinical gastroenterology (1987)
    4. [4]
      Pseudotumor in the Mallory-Weiss syndrome.Romeu J The American journal of gastroenterology (1978)
    5. [5]
      Haematemesis: a new syndrome?Axon AT, Clarke A British medical journal (1975)

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