Mallory-Weiss Syndrome Flashcards
What is the main cause of Mallory-Weiss tears (MWTs) at the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ)?
Forceful retching and vomiting
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vertical mucosal lacerations at the GEJ
what other factors can lead to Mallory-Weiss tears?
Rigid and flexible endoscopy injury
blunt abdominal trauma
prolonged coughing
persistent hiccups
and tonic-clonic seizures.
What physiological change occurs during forceful vomiting that leads to Mallory-Weiss tears (MWTs)?
A sudden increase in the resting pressure gradient between the abdominal and thoracic cavities
What happens to the pyloric channel and lower esophageal sphincter during forceful vomiting?
The pyloric channel tightens, while the lower esophageal sphincter, gastric cardia, and diaphragmatic hiatus relax
How does forceful vomiting result in mucosal tearing at the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ)?
Retrograde prolapse of proximal stomach mucosa into the esophageal lumen causes tearing of the gastric and sometimes esophageal mucosa
What role does intragastric pressure play in the formation of Mallory-Weiss tears?
Sudden increases in intragastric pressure and relaxation of the gastric cardia lead to dilation and tension-related linear lacerations at the GEJ
Where are Mallory-Weiss tears typically located in patients without a paraesophageal hernia?
At the GEJ, commonly along the lesser curvature of the stomach
What is a common lifestyle factor associated with Mallory-Weiss tear bleeding?
recent or active history of alcohol use
How does liver disease or cirrhosis affect MWT-associated bleeding?
tend to experience more severe bleeding from MWT.
paraesophageal hernia may be associated with MWTs involving
the gastric cardia alone.
What is the typical presentation of a patient with Mallory-Weiss tear (MWT) bleeding?
Acute history of forceful, nonbloody vomiting followed by hematemesis
What is the standard diagnostic tool for confirming MWT?
Flexible endoscopy, specifically esophagogastroscopy with retroflexed views of the GEJ and Cardia
What is the typical size range for Mallory-Weiss tears?
MWTs usually range from 0.5 to 2.5 cm in length, but some can reach up to 5 cm
Why is a complete evaluation of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum important in MWT patients?
To check for other potential sources of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) such as varices, gastritis, or peptic ulcers
What other diagnostic tests are available for UGIB besides endoscopy?
Tagged red blood cell scan
direct angiography
multidetector CT angiography.
How can direct angiography be used in patients actively bleeding from MWT?
Angiography of the left gastric or inferior phrenic artery may show a linear contrast collection at the GEJ
What is the first priority in managing a patient with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB)?
Evaluating for hemodynamic instability before diagnostic studies or interventions.
Which laboratory tests should be conducted immediately in UGIB patients?
Blood typing
cross-matching for transfusion
complete blood count
coagulation parameters
and a comprehensive metabolic panel with liver function
How should coagulopathy in UGIB patients be managed?
Correct coagulopathy promptly, especially if due to liver disease or anticoagulation therapy, using appropriate agents
What type and size of IV access is preferred for patients with active UGIB?
Large bore peripheral venous access, such as a 14- or 16-gauge catheter