What is Mallory-Weiss Syndrome?

Mallory-Weiss Syndrome

Mallory-Weiss Syndrome is a syndrome in which hyperemesis (excessive vomiting) has resulted in the development of a gradual laceration or tears of the lower end of the eosophagus or stomach in a patient. This, then causes haemetemesis (vomiting of blood).

Mallory-Weiss Syndrome is often seen in patients with longterm alcholism (alcoholics) due to the acidity of alcohol. It can also be seen in patients who suffer with various eating disorders such as bulaemia (intentionally vomiting after eating).

Mallory-Weiss Syndrome rarely requires medical interventions or surgical treatments, and usually self resolves after 12-48 hours. Mallory-Weiss Syndrome should not be confused with oesophageal viracies (ruptures of arteries within the oesophagus), in which the patient will die due to profound hypovolaemic shock if not treated with surgery. In rare cases of Mallory-Weiss Syndrome, in which the bleeding is persistent, the patient may have an endoscopic aided cauterization or injection of adrenaline (which peripheral vasoconstrictor that causes minor bleeding to cease).

The condition was first identified by Kenneth Mallory and Soma Weiss, who undertook a study of 15 alcoholics.