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In this episode, we review Mallory–Weiss tears, a common cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding characterized by a longitudinal mucosal tear at the gastroesophageal junction following forceful vomiting. We break down the pathophysiology of sudden increases in intra-abdominal pressure, key risk factors such as alcohol use and hiatal hernia, and the classic presentation of hematemesis after retching. The discussion highlights stabilization strategies, the diagnostic and therapeutic role of endoscopy, and how to differentiate this condition from more severe esophageal injuries like Boerhaave syndrome.
References
1) Bushardt RL, Colomb-Lippa DM, Klinger AM, Reed H. The JAAPA QRS Review for PAs: Study Plan and Guide for PANCE and PANRE. 1st ed. LWW; 2021. ISBN: 9781975143817.
2) Kassama Z, Goosenberg E. Mallory-Weiss Syndrome. [Updated 2025 Dec 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK538190/
3) Mahvi DAS, Mahvi DM. Stomach: Mallory-Weiss Tears. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 22nd ed. Elsevier; 2026
By Kristopher Maday, PA-C, DFAAPAIn this episode, we review Mallory–Weiss tears, a common cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding characterized by a longitudinal mucosal tear at the gastroesophageal junction following forceful vomiting. We break down the pathophysiology of sudden increases in intra-abdominal pressure, key risk factors such as alcohol use and hiatal hernia, and the classic presentation of hematemesis after retching. The discussion highlights stabilization strategies, the diagnostic and therapeutic role of endoscopy, and how to differentiate this condition from more severe esophageal injuries like Boerhaave syndrome.
References
1) Bushardt RL, Colomb-Lippa DM, Klinger AM, Reed H. The JAAPA QRS Review for PAs: Study Plan and Guide for PANCE and PANRE. 1st ed. LWW; 2021. ISBN: 9781975143817.
2) Kassama Z, Goosenberg E. Mallory-Weiss Syndrome. [Updated 2025 Dec 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK538190/
3) Mahvi DAS, Mahvi DM. Stomach: Mallory-Weiss Tears. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 22nd ed. Elsevier; 2026