Haematemesis

Last updated: Friday, 03, December, 2010
CausesAppropriate Tests

The magnitude of acute blood loss and the likely cause should be determined on clinical grounds.

The initial haemoglobin may be within the reference interval after acute severe haemorrhage.

FBC (PCV), blood group, blood group antibody screen, compatibility testing.

See also Blood transfusion - recipient testing.

Endoscopy with biopsy, as appropriate.

Gastritis/gastric erosions

Gastric ulcer, especially

  • Peptic ulcer
  • Gastric carcinoma

 

See under Peptic ulcer.

Duodenal ulcer 

See under Peptic ulcer.

Oesophageal varices

See under Portal hypertension.

Oesophageal carcinoma

Oesophagitis, oesophageal ulcer

Mallory Weiss lesion

Vascular malformation

Factitious