Mallory-Weiss syndrome with esophageal obstruction secondary to adherent intraluminal thrombus

Within the spectrum of emetogenic esophagogastric injuries, the Mallory-Weiss syndrome is a well recognized clinical and pathologic entity. The Mallory-Weiss syndrome is characterized by superficial mucosal lacerations or fissures near the cardioesophageal junction caused by increases in intraluminal and transmural pressure gradients; significant hemorrhage is present in almost all instances. Most lacerations occur in the gastric mucosa or extend across the gastroesophageal junction, but 5%-10% are limited to the esophagus. Gastroscopy with esophagoscopy is the usual and most effective way to establish the diagnosis. This report describes a patient in whom the Mallory-Weiss syndrome with upper gastrointestinal bleeding was radiographically documented. It is the first reported case to present with esophageal obstruction secondary to intraluminal thrombus.