Disease Information for Mallory Weiss syndrome(esophageal tear): Definition

Mallory Weiss Syndrome ;Gastroesophageal Laceration-Hemorrhage; Mallory-Weiss Laceration; Mallory-Weiss Tear;

Mallory-Weiss syndrome refers to a tear or laceration of the mucous membrane, most commonly at the point where the esophagus and the stomach meet (gastroesophageal junction); Such a tear may result in severe bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract; The immediate cause of the lesion is usually a protracted period of vomiting-----[NORD 2005]----------------------------------

AKA: Gastroesophageal laceration syndrome, gastroesophageal laceration-hemorrhage syndrome, retching erosion syndrome;

Severe, painless and sometimes fatal hemorrhage from the upper gastrointestinal tract due to a tear in the mucosa of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction, usually preceded by severe vomiting; Most cases associated with chronic alcoholism, but may also be caused by malignant tumors, pernicious vomiting of pregnancy, or other diseases; Signs are pallor; tachyardia; in some patients shock; Prevalent in males, usually onset after 30 years of age --------- [whonamedit_com 2005]--------

AKA: Boerhaave"s syndrome variant ; Complete, transmural laceration of the lower part of esophagus with exit of the gastric content into the mediastinum in the patient with a pre-existing oesophageal disease; Boerhaave"s syndrome is the most severe form of Mallory-Weiss syndrome

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