Pathophysiology
1. Severe Retching results in tear in esophageal mucosa
2. Lesion occurs near esophagogastric junction
Symptoms
1. Hematemesis follows episode of Retching or Vomiting
Signs
1. Melena
2. Shock
Differential Diagnosis
1. Peptic Ulcer Disease
2. Esophageal Perforation
3. Esophagitis
4. Esophageal Varices
Diagnosis
1. Endoscopy (EGD)
  1. Mucosal tear directly visualized
Management
1. Generally heals spontaneously within several days
2. Endoscopy for cauterization if needed
3. Surgery rarely required

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This page was written by Scott Moses, MD. This page was last revised before 5/10/08, prior to consistent tracking of revision date. This page was last published on 5/10/2008. Please send comments and questions to the editor. Contact information may be found on the page About the Family Practice Notebook. These pages are best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0.