Mallory-Weiss tear diagnosed in the immediate postpartum period: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Mallory-Weiss tears occur rarely during pregnancy, labour and delivery, and the puerperium, despite the increased frequency of retching and vomiting.


METHODS
We describe a Mallory-Weiss syndrome diagnosed during the immediate postpartum period in a 34-year-old primigravida. The syndrome initially manifested as lower gastrointestinal bleeding and melena.


CONCLUSIONS
If unrecognized, this complication may lead to life-threatening internal bleeding. It is important to look for an occult bleeding source with such a presentation, and prompt intervention is essential.
Parva
Mehdi
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lankenau Hospital, Wynnewood PA.
Finnegan
Mark
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lankenau Hospital, Wynnewood PA.
Keiter
Cary
C
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lankenau Hospital, Wynnewood PA.
Mercogliano
Giancarlo
G
Department of Gastroenterology, Lankenau Hospital, Wynnewood PA.
Perez
Christian M
CM
The New Hope Center for Reproductive Medicine, Virginia Beach VA.
D000328:Adult; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008309:Mallory-Weiss Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008551:Melena / Q000209:etiology; D049590:Postpartum Period