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Mallory-Weiss tear

Alternative names:

mucosal lacerations of the cardioesophageal junction

Definition:

A condition characterized by bleeding after a tear in the mucous membrane at the junction of the esophagus and the stomach.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Forceful or prolonged vomiting or coughing causes the tear which is followed by vomiting bright red blood. Factors contributing to this condition are excessive drinking bouts followed by vomiting, violent coughing attacks, or epileptic convulsions. The incidence is 4 out of 100,000 people.


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