Mallory-Weiss Tear during Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Endoscopy
• Gastrointestinal Pathology

Background:

• Mallory-Weiss tears (MWTs) are longitudinal mucosal lacerations at the gastroesophageal junction, typically caused by forceful retching.
• Serious complications from MWTs during esophagogastroduodenoscopy are infrequently reported.

Observation:

• This case report details an 81-year-old female patient who experienced gastric perforation during an esophagogastroduodenoscopy procedure.
• The patient was diagnosed with a Mallory-Weiss tear.

Findings:

• The patient presented with gastric perforation, a rare complication of MWT.
• Pre-existing conditions including hiatal hernia, atrophic gastritis, and advanced age were noted.
• These factors may be associated with the development of gastric perforation, distinguishing it from typical MWT presentations.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for severe complications during endoscopic evaluation of MWT.
• Identifying risk factors such as hiatal hernia, atrophic gastritis, and advanced age is crucial for patient management.
• Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms linking these factors to MWT-associated gastric perforation.