Hereditary renal cell carcinoma associated with von Hippel–Lindau disease: a description of a Nova Scotia cohort

Background: von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease is an autosomaldominant condition characterized by the development of benignand malignant tumours, including cases of renal cell carcinoma(RCC). Early detection of RCC through routine surveillance canlead to decreased morbidity and mortality. Data on the numberof patients in Nova Scotia (NS) who have VHL disease, diseasemanifestations and the frequency and mode of the surveillancehave not previously been collected or reported. This project wasdesigned to obtain that information.Methods: The number and management of patients with VHL diseasewas determined by multiple sources: the Maritime MedicalGenetics Service, patient charts, and pathology, radiology and laboratorydata. The actual surveillance being performed was comparedwith that recommended in the literature.Results: Twenty-one patients from 11 families in NS were identified.Manifestations included cases of RCC (31.6%), central nervoussystem (CNS) hemangioblastoma (73.7%), retinal hemangioma(47.4%), renal cyst (47.4%) and pheochromocytoma (10.5%).Of the 6 patients with RCC, 4 had bilateral tumours, 2 requiredkidney transplants and 1 developed metastatic disease. Routinesurveillance was being done for the CNS in 62.5% of patients,retina in 47.4%, abdomen in 43.8% and urine catecholaminesin only 10.5%. Only 1 of the 6 patients who developed RCCwas undergoing routine abdominal imaging. Surveillance investigationswere ordered by a number of different specialists.Conclusion: Patients with VHL disease in NS have a number of manifestationsassociated with their disease, including RCC, in a similarfrequency to that reported in the literature. The surveillanceof these patients is suboptimal in frequency and coordination.von Hippel–Lindau disease is a complex condition that requiresa coordinated approach to care to ensure proper surveillance andtreatment. Our study highlights current deficiencies and offersan enormous opportunity for improvement.Généralités : La maladie de von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) est une maladieà transmission autosomique dominante caractérisée par la formationde tumeurs bénignes et malignes, dont l’hypernéphrome.Le dépistage précoce de l’hypernéphrome par des examens régulierspeut amener une réduction de la morbidité et de la mortalité. Onne sait pas combien de personnes sont atteintes de VHL enNouvelle-Écosse, quelles sont les manifestations de la maladie chezces patients et quels tests de dépistage sont effectués et à quellefréquence. Le projet décrit