Master Von Hippel-Lindau Disease with Picmonic for Medicine


Von Hippel-Lindau Disease

Van-hippo Landing-owl
Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) is a rare genetic condition characterized by multiple hemangioblastomas and cysts in the body. This disease is caused by a mutation in the von Hippel-Lindau gene on chromosome 3. This gene is a tumor suppressor gene that codes for a protein complex that is involved in the ubiquitination and degradation of the transcription factor HIF. The HIF transcription factor plays an important role in the regulation of angiogenesis. Activation of HIF, caused by a mutation in the von Hippel-Lindau gene, results in enhanced angiogenesis leading to multiple hemangioblastomas in the body. Classic locations for these vascular tumors include the medulla, retina, and the cerebellum. Patients also frequently develop cysts in the kidney, liver, and pancreas. Individuals with this mutation are more likely to develop bilateral renal cell carcinomas and have increased the incidence of pheochromocytomas.
Chromosome 3
Chromosome (3) Tree

This disease is caused by a mutation in the VHL gene on chromosome 3.


Hemangioblastoma is a benign vascular tumor that occurs most commonly in the CNS and retina.

Medulla, Retina, Cerebellum
Medusa Red-tin Silver-cerebellum-bell

Von Hippel-Lindau disease is characterized by multiple hemangioblastomas that are classically found in the medulla, retina, and cerebellum. Involvement of these structures can result in headaches, ataxia, weakness, and vision problems.


A cyst is a enclosed sac that has a distinct membrane and is separated from the nearby tissue. Von Hippel-Lindau disease often causes multiple cysts throughout the body.

Kidney, Liver, Pancreas
Kidney, Liver, Pancreas

Von Hippel-Lindau disease often causes multiple cysts throughout the body including the kidney, liver, and pancreas.

Develop Bilateral Renal Carcinomas
Bi-ladders Kidney Car-gnome

Patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease are at an increased risk of developing bilateral renal cell carcinomas. The classic triad of symptoms is hematuria, flank pain, and an abdominal mass, although this occurs in 10-15% of cases.


Patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease are at increased risk of developing pheochromocytomas. This is a neuroendocrine tumor of the chromaffin cells, which secrete catecholamines. This tumor is of neural crest cell origin and is often found in the adrenal medulla. It often presents with the classic triad of intermittent palpitations, headache and diaphoresis.

Unlock all 7 facts & definitions with Picmonic Free!


Take the Von Hippel-Lindau Disease Quiz



It's worth every penny

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics






Works better than traditional Medical (MD/DO) flashcards.
