Malar flush
Malar flush is a plum-red discolouration of the high cheeks. It is classically associated with mitral valve stenosis due to the resulting CO 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. Pathophysiology. Mitral valve stenosis may cause malar flush due to CO retention, which causes vasodilation of arterioles in the cheeks. It can also be associated with other conditions, such as lupus, polycythemia vera and homocystinuria.