A Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome Case Diagnosed While Hospitalized for Major Depression

Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (VHL) is a rare genetic disorder inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. It progresses with the presence of cranial and visceral organ tumors. Psychiatric symptoms may be accompanied by tumor location and hormonal changes. However, it is rare for the disease to first appear with psychiatric symptoms, which may delay the diagnosis of the disease. In this article, a case of VHL, first presenting with major depression, is discussed. The diagnosis and treatment of major depression may obscure the diagnosis of VHL due to the similar mean age at diagnosis and the confounding effect of neurovegetative symptoms accompanying depression.