Characterization of the syndrome of UGI bleeding from a Mallory-Weiss tear associated with transesophageal echocardiography.

Aim: To quantitatively describe the syndrome of Mallory-Weiss tears associated (MWa) with antecedent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) as a distinct syndrome.

Methods: Cases of MWa were identified by comprehensive, computerized literature search via PubMed and review of textbooks and monographs on TEE and gastroenterology. Statistical comparison of 17 identified MWa cases versus previously published series of 73 cases of Mallory-Weiss tears unassociated with TEE (MWu) was performed.