How can you distinguish a Mallory-Weiss tear from Boerhaave Syndrome?

Posted on August 28, 2009 by admin

…without a medical attention.

You (the patient?) can’t and shouldn’t try to.
Boerhaave (esophageal rupture) is much more severe and will probably result in death if untreated.
A person with an esophageal rupture could have profound chest or throat pain, shortness of breath and hematemesis (vomiting of blood).

MW tears are usually chronic (esophageal mucusa dusruption). MWs may have no symptoms or symptoms similar to GERD.

I’m guessing the person you are asking about is either bulemic or alcoholic (2 common causes of MW and Boerhaave).

Urge them to seek medical attention immediately.

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3 Responses to How can you distinguish a Mallory-Weiss tear from Boerhaave Syndrome?

  1. ckm1956 says:
    August 28, 2009 at 11:27 am

    The magic 8-ball says… You can’t.

    It takes an experienced clinician and testing to tell the difference.
    References :

  2. Marie says:
    August 28, 2009 at 12:10 pm

    It would be very foolish to try to distinguish the two without medical attention. Boerhaave syndrome is a medical and surgical emergency. Upper GI bleeding and pain *always* require medical investigation.
    References :
    MD.

  3. Brrrr says:
    August 28, 2009 at 12:48 pm

    You (the patient?) can’t and shouldn’t try to.
    Boerhaave (esophageal rupture) is much more severe and will probably result in death if untreated.
    A person with an esophageal rupture could have profound chest or throat pain, shortness of breath and hematemesis (vomiting of blood).

    MW tears are usually chronic (esophageal mucusa dusruption). MWs may have no symptoms or symptoms similar to GERD.

    I’m guessing the person you are asking about is either bulemic or alcoholic (2 common causes of MW and Boerhaave).

    Urge them to seek medical attention immediately.
    References :
    MD