What is a common endoscopic finding in Mallory-Weiss syndrome?

In Mallory-Weiss syndrome, the common endoscopic finding is superficial longitudinal erosions. This condition typically arises from severe vomiting or retching, which leads to tears in the mucosa at the junction of the esophagus and stomach. These superficial tears present as linear erosions that can vary in length, often identified during endoscopic examination.

These erosions occur due to the mechanical stress on the esophageal lining during episodes of forceful vomiting, which can be exacerbated by increased intra-abdominal pressure. Recognizing these superficial, longitudinal erosions is crucial for diagnosing Mallory-Weiss syndrome, as they directly correlate to the characteristic pathophysiology of this condition.

In contrast, deep mucosal ulcers would imply more severe tissue disruption and are not typically seen in Mallory-Weiss syndrome. A normal esophageal lining would mean there are no injuries present, which would not be consistent with this syndrome. Corrugated rings are associated with other conditions, such as esophageal strictures or eosinophilic esophagitis, and are not a feature of Mallory-Weiss tears. Therefore, superficial longitudinal erosions are the hallmark endoscopic finding in this syndrome.