Which syndrome is associated with flushing, diarrhea, and hypotension?

Carcinoid syndrome is characterized by a classic triad of flushing, diarrhea, and hypotension. This syndrome occurs due to neuroendocrine tumors, most commonly originating from the gastrointestinal tract, that secrete serotonin and other vasoactive substances into the systemic circulation. The flushing is caused by the release of substances like serotonin and bradykinin, leading to cutaneous vasodilation. Diarrhea is a result of increased gastrointestinal motility and secretion due to serotonin’s effect on the gut. Hypotension can occur due to peripheral vasodilation and volume depletion from chronic diarrhea.

In contrast, serotonin syndrome typically presents with altered mental status, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular abnormalities, but not the specific combination of flushing, diarrhea, and hypotension seen in carcinoid syndrome. Dumping syndrome primarily involves gastrointestinal symptoms related to rapid gastric emptying after meals and might include some flushing, but it does not typically cause hypotension prominently. Menopause syndrome might present with hot flashes, but flushing and diarrhea are not hallmark symptoms associated with that condition. Therefore, the presence of flushing, diarrhea, and hypotension clearly points to carcinoid syndrome as the correct answer.