Flush, rosacea or blushing – understandingthediferences

Sum mary: The term “flush” is a misnomer for diverse physiological and pathological medical conditions; however, simple flush can signify the presence of a serious underly ing medical condition. Many patients with non-carcinoid facial flush have been refer red to our department as cases of carcinoid flush. Most of these patients had already undergone many bio chemical and radiological workups, which were neither practical nor cost-ef ective. We acknowledge that the line between carcinoid and non-carcinoid flush is ever more blur red. Aim: In this review, we highlight the definition of carcinoid flush, and distinguish it from other conditions resembl ing those of carcinoid syndrome, mainly rosacea flush and menopausal flush. We briefly explore the basic pathophysiology of flush. Final ly, in order to help guide refer r ing physicians deal ing with this condition, we have tried to devise a clinical ly useful algorithm for the dia gnosis of carcinoid flush that takes into account the need for a multidisciplinary approach; nonetheles s, phy sicians should always examine patients on a case-by-case basis. Results: To distinguish carcinoid flush from non-carcinoid flush, we designed an algorithm to help guide refer r ing physicians deal ing with these conditions. Treatment is beyond the scope of this review.