digestive disorders
Esophageal Laceration (Mallory Weiss Syndrome)
Introduction
An esophageal laceration (Mallory-Weiss syndrome) is a tear that does not penetrate the wall of the esophagus. The tear can be caused by forceful vomiting. Symptoms include blood in vomit. The diagnosis is based on upper endoscopy. When needed, treatment includes measures to stop the bleeding. The Throat and Esophagus is the hollow tube that leads from the throat (pharynx) to the stomach. (See also A laceration of the lower esophagus and the upper part of the stomach during forceful vomiting, retching, or hiccups is called a Mallory-Weiss tear. The tear may rupture blood vessels, which then bleed. Mallory-Weiss syndrome was initially described in people with an alcohol use disorder, but it can occur in anyone who vomits forcefully. Mallory-Weiss syndrome is the cause of about 5% of bleeding episodes in the upper digestive tract (see also Gastrointestinal Bleeding ). Forceful vomiting can tear the esophagus. 