Introduction. Von Hippel-Lindau (
VHL) syndrome is a pathological condition that causes various clinical symptoms and is difficult to diagnose. The most common pathological lesions are
hemangioblastomas of the central nervous system,
retinal angiomas, renal clear cell
carcinomas, and
pheochromocytomas. Case Report. A 23-year-old female had a
syncope episode in 2008. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a right temporal
hemangioblastoma, which was treated surgically. Genetic screening identified a VHL gene mutation, and computed tomography (CT) revealed a left adrenal mass. Since it was unclear whether the mass was a
pheochromocytoma, or another benign or malignant
tumors, laparoscopic
adrenalectomy was performed. A month after surgery, the patient complained of general
fatigue, poor concentration, loss of appetite, and
insomnia. After careful clinical investigation, the patient was referred to a psychiatrist due to suspected depression, which was confirmed. Conclusions. VHL genetic screening should be performed in cases of
hemangioblastoma. In
VHL syndrome cases,
pheochromocytoma cannot always be diagnosed by biochemical
catecholamine analyses; therefore, CT or MRI scanning of the abdomen must be performed. Due to the long treatment period, some patients may develop episodes of depression, which can simulate
VHL syndrome.