Mallory Weiss tear

Question 1

define a mallory weiss tear?

Answer 1

tearing of the lining of the oesophagus around the junction with the stomach as a result of violent vomiting or straining to vomit

Question 2

cause of mallory weiss tears?

Answer 2

• Caused by prolonged violent vomiting

Question 3

risk factors of mallory weiss tears?

Answer 3

o Chronic alcohol abuse
o Bulimia
o Other causes: trauma, intense coughing, gastritis

Question 4

epidemiology of mallory weiss tears?

Answer 4

• Quite rare

Question 5

presenting symptoms of mallory weiss tears?

Answer 5

• Most cases do not cause any symptoms
• Abdominal pain
• Severe vomiting
• Haematemesis
• Involuntary retching
• Black/tarry stools (rare)
• Symptoms of hypovolaemia if SEVERE blood loss

Question 6

investigations of mallory weiss tears?

Answer 6

• OGD

* Bloods - FBC to check for anaemia

Question 7

management plan for majority of mallory wiess tears

Answer 7

• 80-90% of the time the bleeding stops on its own

- nothing needs to be done

Question 8

management plan for severe mallory weiss tears?

Answer 8

• Surgery may be necessary if the bleeding does NOT stop
o Injection sclerotherapy
o Coagulation therapy
o Arteriography

Question 9

complications of mallory weiss tears?

Answer 9

• Boerhaave’s perforation

Question 10

prognosis of mallory weiss tears?

Answer 10

• GOOD prognosis