Mallory-weiss syndrome

Abstract

Mallory and Weiss first described gastroesophageal tears causing gastrointestinal bleeding in 15 alcoholic patients in 1929 [1]. Since this time, longitudinal mucosal lacerations, associated with forceful retching, has become a well-known cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The prevalence of Mallory-Weiss Syndrome is reported to be approximately 5% of patients suffering acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding, but may be higher [2-4]. The presence of Mallory-Weiss tears without acute bleeding is difficult to quantify and their clinical significance is debatable. © 2010 Springer-Verlag New York.