The spectrum of the Mallory-Weiss tear.

A Mallory-Weiss tear is a mucosal laceration occurrring at or near the esophagogastric junction and is most often associated with vomiting. This is a common cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding; in our series, 14% of patients presenting to the hospital because of upper gastrointestinal bleeding had Mallory-Weiss tears. Massive hemorrhage is not characteristic and 37% of the patients required no blood transufsions. A classical history of nonbloody emesis followed by hematemesis was found in only 29% of patients. The most common story was the appearance of blood with the first vomiting. In 35% of our patients with Mallory-Weiss tear, an additional potential bleeding site was identified, and, in approximately half of these patients, it was actually bleeding. Most Mallory-Weiss tears stop bleeding spontaneously and supportive treatment is all that is required. If bleeding continues, infusion of vasoactive substances into the celiac artery or into the left gastric artery often obviates the need for operation.