Malar flush explained

Differential:mitral stenosis, SLE

Malar flush is a plum-red discolouration of the high cheeks. It is classically associated with mitral valve stenosis due to the resulting CO2 retention and its vasodilatory effects. It can also be associated with lupus, polycythemia vera and homocystinuria.

Definition

Malar flush is a plum-red discolouration of the high cheeks.[1]

Pathophysiology

Mitral valve stenosis may cause malar flush due to CO2 retention, which causes vasodilation of arterioles in the cheeks.

It can also be associated with other conditions, such as lupus,[2] polycythemia vera[3] and homocystinuria.[4]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Book: Topol. Eric J. Textbook of cardiovascular medicine. Califf. Robert M. 2007. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 9780781770125. 3rd. Philadelphia. 194. 13 January 2017.
  2. Dreizen. S.. January 1991. The butterfly rash and the malar flush. What diseases do these signs reflect?. Postgraduate Medicine. 89. 1. 225–228, 233–234. 10.1080/00325481.1991.11700800. 0032-5481. 1824645.
  3. Web site: Clarke. R. Mitral Facies. 13 January 2017. Ask Doctor Clarke.
  4. Book: Marcdante. Karen. Nelson Essentials of Pediatrics, 8th edition. Kliegman. Robert M.. Elsevier. 2019. 978-0-323-51145-2. 203. English.

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