A Mallory-Weiss tear is an upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleed due to longitudinal tearing in the esophagus and stomach. This often results from protracted, forceful vomiting, although shear forces from coughing, convulsions, straining, blunt trauma, or an endoscopy can also cause mucosal tears. Patients with acute or chronic alcohol use have a propensity to develop Mallory-Weiss tears.

Patients with Mallory-Weiss tears present with hematemesis and/or melena, and often with either epigastric or back pain. Management involves initiation of intravenous (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.