Mallory-Weiss Syndrome By Kristle Lee Lynch, MD, Perelman School of Medicine at The University of Pennsylvania Reviewed / Revised Mar 2022 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Topic Resources Mallory-Weiss Tear Mallory-Weiss syndrome is a nonpenetrating mucosal laceration of the distal esophagus and proximal stomach caused by vomiting, retching, or hiccuping.