Emergency: requires immediate attention
Mallory-Weiss syndrome
Alerts and Notices
Synopsis
Patients with Mallory-Weiss tears present with hematemesis and/or melena, and often with either epigastric or back pain. Management involves initiation of IV proton pump inhibitors, hemodynamic stabilization (either IV fluids or red blood cell transfusions), and endoscopy, with timing dependent on hemodynamic compromise.
Pediatric Patient Considerations:
While uncommon in the pediatric population, Mallory-Weiss syndrome can occur in children and may indicate an underlying bleeding condition.
Codes
ICD10CM:K22.6 – Gastro-esophageal laceration-hemorrhage syndrome
SNOMEDCT:
35265002 – Mallory-Weiss Syndrome
Look For
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Boerhaave syndrome
- Bleeding esophageal, gastric, or duodenal ulcer
- Gastritis or esophagitis
- Bleeding esophageal varices
- Eosinophilic esophagitis
- Gastric or esophageal cancer
- Epistaxis
- Crohn disease with upper GI tract involvement
- Volvulus (eg, midgut volvulus)
- Malrotation
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.Subscription Required
References
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Last Reviewed:05/24/2017
Last Updated:05/24/2017
Last Updated:05/24/2017