Retrograde gastric mucosal prolapse as a cause of haematemesis

Abstract

Three cases of hematemesis associated with alcohol abuse are described. Early fibreoptic endoscopical examination in each showed a focal, well demarcated area of gastric mucosal hemorrhage, close to the esophagogastric junction. Two patients showed prolapse of the lesion into the lower part of the esophagus, and the third had coexistent Mallory Weiss tears. The observations suggest that forceful vomiting is responsible for this lesion, by causing abrupt retrograde gastroesophageal prolapse. The prognosis of the lesion appears good.