A patient with a history of alcoholism is brought to the emergency department due to extensive vomiting of cherry red blood. The amount of bleeding into his esophagus has caused him to become anemic and he is in need of a blood transfusion. What is his most likely diagnosis? O Mallory-Weiss Syndrome O Peptic Ulcer Disease O Gastroenteritis O Antibiotic Associated Enterocolitis

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
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### Medical Case Study: Gastrointestinal Bleeding

**Case Description:**

A patient with a history of alcoholism is brought to the emergency department due to extensive vomiting of cherry red blood. The amount of bleeding into his esophagus has caused him to become anemic and he is in need of a blood transfusion. 

**Question:**
What is his most likely diagnosis?

**Possible Diagnoses:**
1. Mallory-Weiss Syndrome
2. Peptic Ulcer Disease
3. Gastroenteritis
4. Antibiotic Associated Enterocolitis

**Explanation:**

- **Mallory-Weiss Syndrome**: This condition involves tears in the esophagus caused by severe vomiting, often linked with alcoholism. The tears can lead to significant bleeding.

- **Peptic Ulcer Disease**: This condition involves open sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine, which could potentially cause bleeding, though it is less likely to cause esophageal bleeding.

- **Gastroenteritis**: Usually causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, but does not typically cause significant bleeding in the esophagus.

- **Antibiotic Associated Enterocolitis**: Generally involves inflammation of the colon associated with antibiotic use, leading to symptoms like diarrhea. It is not known to cause significant esophageal bleeding.

**Detailed Analysis:**

- **Mallory-Weiss Syndrome** is the most likely diagnosis for the patient considering the described severe vomiting of cherry red blood and his history of alcoholism. This syndrome is characterized by longitudinal mucosal lacerations at the gastroesophageal junction, typically following episodes of forceful retching or vomiting.

This case requires prompt medical attention and the decision to perform a blood transfusion indicates significant blood loss and ensuing anemia due to the bleeding.

**Note:**
Healthcare professionals should consider the entire clinical picture, including the patient's history, symptoms, and diagnostic findings when diagnosing and treating such cases.
Transcribed Image Text:### Medical Case Study: Gastrointestinal Bleeding **Case Description:** A patient with a history of alcoholism is brought to the emergency department due to extensive vomiting of cherry red blood. The amount of bleeding into his esophagus has caused him to become anemic and he is in need of a blood transfusion. **Question:** What is his most likely diagnosis? **Possible Diagnoses:** 1. Mallory-Weiss Syndrome 2. Peptic Ulcer Disease 3. Gastroenteritis 4. Antibiotic Associated Enterocolitis **Explanation:** - **Mallory-Weiss Syndrome**: This condition involves tears in the esophagus caused by severe vomiting, often linked with alcoholism. The tears can lead to significant bleeding. - **Peptic Ulcer Disease**: This condition involves open sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine, which could potentially cause bleeding, though it is less likely to cause esophageal bleeding. - **Gastroenteritis**: Usually causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, but does not typically cause significant bleeding in the esophagus. - **Antibiotic Associated Enterocolitis**: Generally involves inflammation of the colon associated with antibiotic use, leading to symptoms like diarrhea. It is not known to cause significant esophageal bleeding. **Detailed Analysis:** - **Mallory-Weiss Syndrome** is the most likely diagnosis for the patient considering the described severe vomiting of cherry red blood and his history of alcoholism. This syndrome is characterized by longitudinal mucosal lacerations at the gastroesophageal junction, typically following episodes of forceful retching or vomiting. This case requires prompt medical attention and the decision to perform a blood transfusion indicates significant blood loss and ensuing anemia due to the bleeding. **Note:** Healthcare professionals should consider the entire clinical picture, including the patient's history, symptoms, and diagnostic findings when diagnosing and treating such cases.
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