HORMONE CONFERENCE AT SAHLGRENS-UNIVERSITY-HOSPITAL - POLYCYTHEMIA AND INAPPROPRIATELY HIGH SERUM ERYTHROPOIETIN CONCENTRATION IN A 62-YEAR-OLD MAN

A 62-year-old man with a history of coronary insufficiency complained at his scheduled visit to the outpatient clinic of symptoms suggestive of gastritis. His blood hemoglobin concentration, however, was marked ly increased. Results of a hematological work-up suggested an erythrop oietin-producing tumor. Signs of increased intracranial pressure then led to the finding of a cerebellar tumor, which could explain his vert igo and abdominal symptoms. This cystic capillary hemangioblastoma pro bably was responsible for the erythropoietin production and also seeme d to produce basic fibroblast growth factor. The clinical evaluation o f polycythemia as well as erythropoietin biochemistry and clinical app lication are reviewed.