Definition
Mallory-Weiss syndrome is a longitudinal laceration of the esophagus in its terminal tract, at the level of the gastro-esophageal junction or proximal gastric mucosa. The subjects most affected are alcoholics, however it can also be the result of repeated and violent vomiting, hiccups, intense coughing, asthma attacks or excessive distention of the stomach.
The onset of Mallory-Weiss syndrome is linked, therefore, to a sharp increase in intra-abdominal and / or intragastric pressure, which in addition to being able to cause direct damage promotes the ascent of the acid content of the stomach. In addition to alcoholism vomiting crises, a highly predisposing factor is hiatal hernia. The chronic intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, gastro-oesophageal reflux and pyloric obstruction play an aggravating role.
Mallory-Weiss syndrome causes hemorrhage of the upper gastrointestinal tract in approximately 5% of patients.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Anemia
- Conati
- Abdominal distention
- Pain in the upper part of the abdomen
- Hematemesis
- Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
- Feces picee
- Melena
- He retched
Further indications
Mallory-Weiss syndrome typically presents with bleeding from the esophageal wound, evident due to the expulsion of bright red blood with vomit (hematemesis) and picee feces (melena).
Most bleeding episodes stop spontaneously, but in some patients the laceration suture is required. Therapy may also include the use of vasoconstrictors and transfusions to control bleeding. It is also necessary to treat the underlying pathology that causes vomiting (eg excess alcohol or bulimia).
