The Mallory-Weiss syndrome. An analysis of haemostatic function in a bleeding-free period

The bleeding source in the Mallory-Weiss syndrome is mucosal tears at the gastro-oesophageal junction. It has been suggested that haemostatic defects play an active role in the syndrome's development. This study was made to analyze whether or not such defects are present during a bleeding-free period following the Mallory-Weiss syndrome. Fourteen patients were examined 4 weeks to 5.8 years after the bleeding episode. In most cases the coagulation mechanism was then found to be normal. Mild haemostatic defects were found in four patients, but were not of consistent type.