The association of esophageal hiatus hernia with Mallory-Weiss syndrome

A Systematic Analysis of Incidence, Therapeutic Strategies, and In-hospital Mortality of Mallory-Weiss Syndrome in Germany

BACKGROUND

Mallory-Weiss syndrome (MWS) is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding from gaging or vomiting-induced mucosal lacerations at the gastroesophageal junction. Most cases do not require urgent endoscopic intervention due to the mostly self-limiting course. For more severe cases, different hemostasis techniques have been used. In small MWS cohorts, overall mortality was ~5%, but comprehensive data, as well as population-based incidence, treatment recommendations, and outcome parameters such as in-hospital mortality and adverse events, are largely lacking.

METHODS

We evaluated current epidemiological trends, therapeutic strategies, and in-hospital Mortality of MWS in Germany based on standardized hospital discharge data provided by the German Federal Statistical Office from 2010 to 2019.

RESULTS

A total of 59,291 MWS cases, predominately male (62%), were included into analysis. The mean number of MWS cases in Germany was 5929/year and decreased continuously during the observation period (-4.1%/y). The overall annual incidence rate (as hospitalization cases per 100,000 persons) was 7.5 with the highest incidence rate in the New Federal States (8.7). The most common comorbidities were reflux esophagitis (23.6%), diaphragmatic hernia (19.7%), and alcohol abuse (10.9%). The most frequent complication was bleeding anemia (26%), whereas hypovolemic shock (2.9%) was rare. Endoscopic injection was the most commonly performed endoscopic therapy (13.7%), followed by endoscopic clipping (12.8%), whereas the need for surgical therapy was rare (0.1%). Endoscopic combination therapies were used predominantly as a combination of injection and clipping. The overall in-hospital mortality was 2.7% and did not differ through the observation period. The presence of hypovolemic shock, acute kidney injury, sepsis, artificial ventilation, adult respiratory distress syndrome, bleeding anemia, and female sex was associated with a significantly worse prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Our study gives a detailed insight into the incidence, patient-related risk factors, endoscopic treatment, and overall in-hospital mortality as well as regional differences in a large MWS collective in Germany. Furthermore, we were able to identify mortality-associated complications and their impact.

Septic shock revealing boerhaave's syndrome a case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Boerhaave's syndrome, recognized as spontaneous esophageal rupture, is an uncommon and perilous medical condition marked by the spontaneous tearing of the esophagus. This paper highlights the importance of an early diagnosis and its correlation to better outcomes for a rare pathology with high mortality.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 67-year-old female presenting with unexplored vomiting and hypertension, presented to the ER with a septic shock. The patient's clinical deterioration prompted emergency exploration, revealing a dilated esophagus with a 3-cm perforation. Despite surgical intervention, including suturing with a T-tube and esophageal exclusion, the patient succumbed to multiorgan failure.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Boerhaave's syndrome, triggered by forceful vomiting, presents diverse clinical manifestations, making accurate diagnosis challenging. The characteristic triad of vomiting, pain, and subcutaneous emphysema is observed in a minority of cases, often overshadowed by acute respiratory distress. Diagnostic modalities include chest X-rays, contrast esophagography, and computed tomography, aiding in visualizing contrast leakage and confirming the diagnosis. The choice of surgical technique, ranging from esophageal suturing to esophagectomy, depends on the duration between rupture and surgery initiation. In this case, a bipolar esophageal exclusion was performed due to the patient's critical condition.

CONCLUSION

Boerhaave's syndrome demands consideration in patients presenting with thoracic pain and vomiting, particularly in those with a pathological esophagus. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention remain pivotal in improving outcomes. Identification of hydro-pneumothorax in radiographic studies should prompt consideration of spontaneous esophageal rupture, highlighting the need for heightened clinical suspicion in nonspecific clinical scenarios.

Mallory Weiss syndrome is not associated with hiatal hernia: a matched case-control study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Hiatal hernia is considered to be a predisposing factor to develop Mallory-Weiss Syndrome (MWS). No large case-control studies verifying this hypothesis have been conducted.

METHODS

We reviewed all esophagogastroduodenoscopies with findings of MWS (n = 2342) in a national database and compared with age and gender-matched controls (n = 9368). Demographics, endoscopic characteristics and presence of a hiatal hernia were compared between both groups. Average age was 56.7 ± 18.6 years, and 72.4% were male.

RESULTS

Hiatal hernia was more common in controls, and no significant difference was seen in a multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Dynamic changes inducing mucosal tension are more relevant determinants to develop MWS than gastro-esophageal junction location alone.

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. A new illustrative case is also currently reported.

RESULTS

Comparison between these two groups revealed the following: MWa patients were significantly older (67.1 vs. 52.6 years, p = .0002, assuming equal variance), likely due to MWa patients having preexisting cardiovascular disease for which the TEE was indicated. The two groups had similar sex distributions (60 vs. 76% male, p = .32). MWa patients were significantly, more frequently anticoagulated at the time of bleeding (90.9 vs. 9.6%, p < .00001, OR = 94.3, 95%-OR CI: 9.56-2293), likely because of anticoagulation for underlying cardiac disease for which TEE was indicated. MWa patients tended to more frequently rebleed and more frequently require endoscopic therapy (both parameters: 4/17 vs. 8/73, p = .23) and tended to more frequently require surgery or angiography to control bleeding (3/17 vs. 3/73, p = .08). MWa patients had significantly higher mortality (23.5 vs. 2.7%, p = .01, OR = 10.9, 95%-OR CI 1.48-97.8), likely because of their older age, concomitant heart disease, and administered anticoagulation. A new case of MWa is reported with notable features that extend the clinical spectrum of this syndrome: (1) tear associated with hiatal hernia, (2) presentation with severe, fatal UGI bleeding, and (3) no anticoagulation during bleeding episode.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with MWa represent a distinct clinical subset from patients with MWu, with significantly older mean age, more frequent concomitant anticoagulation, and higher mortality. They also tend to have more severe bleeding. These characteristics are important in clinically managing this syndrome.