Suprasellar hemangioblastoma in a patient with von Hippel-Lindau disease confirmed by germline mutation study: case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Hemangioblastoma (HBL) in the suprasellar region is extremely rare.CASE DESCRIPTION: A suprasellar mass was found in a 33-year-old woman with retinal HBL and bilateral adrenal pheochromocytomas. The diagnosis of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease was confirmed preoperatively not only by these clinical manifestations but also by germline mutation study. The existence of VHL disease indicated a diagnosis of HBL for the suprasellar mass. The results of our mutation study indicated that this patient had type II VHL disease, suggesting that careful follow-up is essential for the early detection of renal cell carcinoma, which is often associated with type II VHL disease. Here, we summarize the previously reported features of sellar and suprasellar HBLs.CONCLUSIONS: HBLs in this region may be one manifestation of VHL disease. Genetic testing of the VHL gene of our patient could provide useful information to determine appropriate medical care and management.