Difference between Esophageal varices and Mallory-Weiss syndrome

• Laceration at the GE junction due to severe prolonged vomiting (MW syndrome)

• Dilated submucosal veins in the lower third of the esophagus ,usually secondary to portal hypertension (EV)

• Most Common Cause : alcoholism in (MW syndrome) , Cirrhosis in (EV)

• Presentation : Mild hematemesis in (MW syndrome) , Massive hematemesis when ruptured in (EV) 

• Complication : Boerhaave syndrome (esophageal rupture) in (MW syndrome) , Potentially fatal hemorrhage in (EV) 

both can possibly lead to death in alcoholics.