Low frequency of VHL gene mutations in young individuals with polycythemia and high serum erythropoietin

In one out of six young individuals with polycythemia and high erythropoietin levels we found a heterozygous VHL gene mutation (430G->A;Gly144Arg). The man's unaffected mother and sister carry the same mutation. No other VHL genomic or expression alterations were found. In one other patient different genetic conditions were found.