Medical Terminology for Coffee Ground Vomit
The medical term for coffee ground vomit is "coffee ground vomiting" or "coffee ground emesis," which is formally defined as the vomiting of altered black blood. 1
Clinical Definition and Significance
Coffee ground vomiting represents a specific presentation of upper gastrointestinal bleeding where blood has been partially digested by gastric acid, giving it a characteristic dark, granular appearance resembling coffee grounds. 1
Key Distinguishing Features
- Coffee ground vomiting differs from hematemesis, which is the vomiting of fresh red blood 1
- The altered black appearance indicates the blood has been exposed to gastric acid for a period of time before being vomited 1
- This presentation typically suggests upper gastrointestinal bleeding proximal to the ligament of Treitz 2
Clinical Context and Associated Terminology
When documenting or discussing this finding, you may encounter related terms:
- Melena: passage of black tarry stools, also indicating digested blood 1, 3
- Hematemesis: vomiting of fresh red blood 1
- Hematochezia: passage of red blood per rectum 1
Important Clinical Note
Coffee ground material in nasogastric aspirates or vomitus should prompt evaluation for upper gastrointestinal bleeding, though recent evidence suggests it may have lower endoscopic yield compared to frank hematemesis. 4, 5 The British Society of Gastroenterology formally recognizes this terminology in their clinical guidelines for upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. 1