[Mallory-Weiss syndrome. A study of 25 cases (author's transl)]

Twenty five cases of Mallory-Weiss syndrome were visualised endoscopically, representing, 4,6 p.cent of a serie of 540 consecutive upper gastro-intestinal bleedings. More frequent in men (85%) the mucosal laceration of the oesogastric junction caracteristic of the Mallory-Weiss syndrome is caused by a sudded intra-abdominal hyperpression. The lession is often associated with a prodrome of vomiting (80%). A hiatal hernia (80%), the ingestion of gastrotoxic drugs (52%) or of excessive alcohol (28%) are favorising factors. Emergency endoscopy allows an accurate diagnosis. The severity of the gastro-intestinal bleeding is generally not important and most patient can be managed non surgically.