Mallory-Weiss Syndrome Triggered by Undigested Food Residues in a 90-Year-Old Male: An Unusual Etiology

TL;DR

A 90-year-old man experienced Mallory-Weiss syndrome after vomiting undigested food, highlighting unusual causes in elderly patients.

Contribution

Reports a rare case of Mallory-Weiss syndrome triggered by undigested food in an elderly patient without forceful emesis.

Findings

Mallory-Weiss tear was successfully treated with hemoclips during endoscopy.

An incidental duodenal polyp was discovered during the procedure.

Non-classical triggers may cause Mallory-Weiss syndrome in elderly patients.

Abstract

Mallory-Weiss syndrome is an uncommon cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, typically resulting from mucosal lacerations induced by retching, vomiting, or coughing. Although well described in middle-aged individuals, its occurrence in elderly patients is unusual and may present atypically. We report the case of a 90-year-old male who developed hematemesis following vomiting undigested food residues, without preceding forceful emesis. Endoscopy revealed a Mallory-Weiss tear with active bleeding, successfully treated with hemoclips, and an incidental duodenal polyp. This case underscores the role of non-classical triggers in elderly patients and highlights the importance of prompt endoscopic evaluation and therapy.

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