Mallory-Weiss tear

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Digestive system

Mallory-Weiss tear

Stomach and stomach lining

Mallory-Weiss tear

Definition:

A Mallory-Weiss tear occurs in the mucous membrane where the esophagus connects to the stomach, causing bleeding.

Alternative Names:

Mucosal lacerations - gastroesophageal junction

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Mallory-Weiss tears are usually caused by forceful or prolonged vomiting or coughing. They may also be caused by epileptic convulsions.

The tear may be followed by vomiting bright red blood or by passing blood in the stool. Any condition that leads to violent and lengthy bouts of coughing or vomiting can cause these tears.

The incidence is 4 in 100,000 people.

Review Date: 11/10/2004
Reviewed By: Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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