Mallory-Weiss tear. A complication of cancer chemotherapy.

Since the original report by Mallory and Weiss of tears in the lower esophagus or cardia of the stomach following alcoholic debauch, there have been many other cases, associated with sundry other causes, described in the literature. Recently, a Mallory-Weiss tear was reported in a patient as a complication of cancer chemotherapy. This article describes two similar cases and suggests that the Mallory-Weiss syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis of any patient with epigastric pain, hematemesis, or melena after chemotherapy-induced retching or vomiting.