Korean J Gastrointest Endosc.
2009 Aug;39(2):72-77.
Clinical Features of Iatrogenic Mallory-Weiss Syndrome
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Internal Medicine, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea. islkim@hanmail.net
Abstract
- BACKGROUND/AIMS
The detection of iatrogenic Mallory-Weiss syndrome during the course of upper GI endoscopy is apparently rare. The aim of this study was identify the clinical features of the disease and associated medical conditions.
METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed 46 cases (0.08%) of iatrogenic Mallory- Weiss syndrome identified from 54,188 consecutive upper GI endoscopies performed at our institution during a period of 85 months.
RESULTS
A total of 36 patients (78.2%) had retching or belching during the procedure. Hiatal hernias were noted in 20 patients (43.5%). We identified a difference of the attack rate by sex and age for iatrogenic Mallory-Weiss syndrome; the disorder developed predominantly in men. All of the patients had a mucosal tear and oozing and 16 patients underwent endoscopic hemostasis. After being diagnosed with iatrogenic Mallory-Weiss syndrome, 17 patients underwent follow- up endoscopy and all of the patients showed good results without rebleeding. No patient showed a complicated clinical course.
CONCLUSIONS
A small number of patients had iatrogenic Mallory-Weiss syndrome and most of the patients showed a good prognosis. If there is a predictable risk factor identified during an upper GI endoscopy or an associated medical condition, special care needs to be taken to minimize belching or retching.