Causes of Upper GI Bleeding Flashcards
Causes of upper GI bleeding
Mallory-weiss tear
Oesophago-gastric varices
Peptic ulcer
What is a Mallory-Weiss tear
This is a linear mucosal tear occurring at the oesophagogastric junction and
produced by a sudden increase in intra-abdominal pressure
Lead to bleeding
Clinical presentation of Mallory-Weiss tear
Bout of retching or vomiting -> Haemetesis
Others: Syncope, light headedness, dizziness
Pathophysiology of Mallory-Weiss tear
Sudden increased intragastric pressure within the non-distensible lower oesophagus can cause tearing of the mucosa.
Blood then enters the oesophagus and is vomited out
Aetiology of Mallory-Weiss tear
Trauma from frequent cough, vomit, retching or even hiccuping
RF: Excessive alcohol consumption; NSAIDs
Epidemiology of Mallory-Weiss tear
2-8% all Upper GI bleeding
Bulimics and alcoholics
Males aged 20-50
Diagnosis of Mallory-Weiss tear
Differentials
*Endoscopy (confirms)
Differential diagnosis:
Gastroenteritis; peptic ulcer; oesophageal varices
Treatment of Mallory-Weiss tear
Resuscitation
Maintain airway, high flow oxygen, correct fluid losses
Identify co-morbidities
Tear tends to heal rapidly
Complications of Mallory-Weiss tear
Hypovolaemic shock (and death)
Rebleeding
MI
Such bleeding rare
What are Oesophago-Gastric varices
Dilated veins at the junction between the portal and systemic venous systems leading to variceal haemorrhage
Clinical presentation of Oesophago-Gastric varices
Haematemesis
Liver disease
Pallor
Shock (low BP/ high HR)
Pathophysiology of Oesophago-Gastric varices
Liver disease leads to high pressure in the portal veins -> veins at the junction with systemic venous system distend (varices).
This causes damage and can lead to bleeding from the varices into the oesophagus -> Haematemesis
Aetiology of Oesophago-Gastric varices
Portal hypertension
Majority of patients with oesophageal varices have chronic liver disease
Epidemiology of Oesophago-Gastric varices
10-20% of all Upper GI bleeding
Diagnosis of Oesophago-Gastric varices
Endoscopy