We report on five Caucasian patients with congenital polycythemia and mutations of the von Hipple-Lindau (VHL) gene: a compound heterozygote for the novel exon 1 (VHL 235C->T) and previously reported VHL 562C->G mutations; three homozygotes for Chuvash VHL 598C->T mutation; and a heterozygote for VHL 523->G mutation who also has ataxia-telangiectasia; a rare autosomal disease of childhood onset.

Aproximately 5-10% of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) of the gastroenteropancreatic system (GEP) have an hereditary background. The known hereditary syndromes include: multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1), von Hippel Lindau disease (VHL), neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF 1) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). This review discusses for each of these syndromes the: genes involved and specifics...

A family with von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) type 2A has been shown to have a T to C missense mutation at nucleotide 547 of the VHL gene. This gives further support for the proposal to associate the 547 T to C mutation with phenotype VHL 2A.

The nature of the cell responsible for von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease-associated tumor formation has been controversial for decades. We demonstrate that VHL disease-associated central nervous system tumors are composed of developmentally arrested angioblasts that coexpress erythropoietin (Epo) and Epo receptor. The angioblasts are capable of differentiating into RBCs via formation of blood isl...

The nature of the cell responsible for von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease-associated tumor formation has been controversial for decades. We demonstrate that VHL disease-associated central nervous system tumors are composed of developmentally arrested angioblasts that coexpress erythropoietin (Epo) and Epo receptor. The angioblasts are capable of differentiating into RBCs via formation of blood isl...

Cerebellar haemangioblastomas are rare in the elderly. Those associated with the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, usually present during the third decade of life. We report an unusually delayed presentation in an 80 year old obligate carrier of VHL gene mutation.

Hemangioblastomas are extremely rare in supratentorial locations, and to date, approximately 128 cases of supratentorial hemangioblastoma have been reported in the literature. Here, we report a female case of supratentorial hemangioblastoma, not associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease. We describe its clinical, neuropathological, and neuroradiological characteristics, elaborate the surgical p...

Inherited pheochromocytomas are often part of familial syndromes, especially multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2), retinal cerebellar hemangioblastomatosis [von Hippel-Lindau (vHL) disease] or neurofibromatosis type 1. It is not clear whether isolated familial pheochromocytoma exists as a separate clinical entity. In a family with pheochromocytomas in three generations and with at least ...

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is a multisystem disease involving many organs. An association with other diseases such as tuberous sclerosis, von Hippel-Lindau disease and Marfan syndrome have been previously described. We describe a 35 year old female with achondroplasia who developed polycystic kidney disease involving both kidneys and progressing to end-stage renal disease. To ...