From the Research
The five most common symptoms of Mallory-Weiss syndrome are hematemesis, melena, epigastric or upper abdominal pain, nausea, and lightheadedness or dizziness, with hematemesis being the hallmark symptom occurring in approximately 92% of cases, as reported in the study by 1.
Symptoms of Mallory-Weiss Syndrome
The symptoms of Mallory-Weiss syndrome typically develop after episodes of forceful vomiting, retching, or coughing that create increased abdominal pressure, causing a longitudinal tear at the gastroesophageal junction.
- Hematemesis: vomiting of blood, which occurs in approximately 92% of cases, making it the most common symptom, as seen in the study by 1.
- Melena: black, tarry stools, which develops as blood passes through the digestive tract.
- Epigastric or upper abdominal pain: often precedes the bleeding episode and may be associated with the forceful vomiting or retching that causes the mucosal tear.
- Nausea: commonly accompanies the condition due to the underlying cause that triggered the vomiting.
- Lightheadedness or dizziness: results from blood loss, particularly in severe cases.
Clinical Presentation and Management
Most cases of Mallory-Weiss syndrome are self-limiting and resolve without specific treatment, though severe bleeding may require endoscopic intervention, such as epinephrine injection, thermal coagulation, or clip placement, as noted in the study by 2. The use of proton pump inhibitors and antiemetics seems logical in all cases, although nothing in the literature demonstrates their efficacy, as mentioned in the study by 2. The study by 3 also highlights the importance of endoscopic treatment in achieving primary hemostasis in patients with Mallory-Weiss syndrome. It is essential to note that the management of Mallory-Weiss syndrome should prioritize the patient's overall health and well-being, taking into account their medical history, comorbidities, and the severity of the symptoms, as emphasized in the study by 4.