2006-09-26 09:57:04 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Mallory-Weiss syndrome refers to bleeding from tears (a Mallory-Weiss tear) in the mucosa at the junction of the stomach and esophagus, usually caused by severe retching, coughing, or vomiting. It is often associated with alcoholism, and there is some evidence that presence of a hiatal hernia is a required predisposing condition.
Mallory-Weiss syndrome often presents as an episode of vomiting up blood (hematemesis) after violent retching or vomiting, but may also be noticed as old blood in the stool (melena), and a history of retching may be absent. In most cases, the bleeding stops spontaneously after 24-48 hours, but endoscopic or surgical treatment is sometimes required and rarely the condition is fatal.
Definitive diagnosis is by endoscopy; treatment by cauterization or injection of epinephrine to stop the bleeding may be undertaken at the same time. In some cases, embolization of the arteries supplying the region may be performed by an interventional radiologist to stop the bleeding. As in any case of hemorrhage, fluid maintenance is an important part of therapy.
The condition was first described in 1929 by GK. Mallory and S. Weiss in 15 alcoholic patients.
2006-09-26 10:09:37 · answer #1 · answered by *Cardiff Angel* 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't answer the question, but having read your question, I decided to look at the original question. Surely you don't intend to insinuate that ANY and ALL incidents of bloody vomitus are attributable to Mallory-Weiss. That would be, in my opinion, misleading medical advice. Are you a real doctor? I would hope that you would investigate further to verify that diagnosis.
2006-09-26 17:51:28 · answer #2 · answered by L S 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sweetheart, nobody has heard of Mallory- Weiss. Sorry.
2006-09-26 17:04:11 · answer #3 · answered by emilystartsfires 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
That's why you're the doc! Really, tho - how would you decide that this is what it is? Would you rule out other stuff first just in case?
I work at a teaching hospital and if there is a test or procedure that might be remotely indicated, you can bet the doc's will want it - necessary or not.
2006-09-26 17:44:39 · answer #4 · answered by petlover 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋