Which statement about von Willebrand disease is true?

Which statement about von Willebrand disease is true?

• A. It is autosomal dominant
• B. It is autosomal recessive
• C. It is X-linked
• D. It is mitochondrial

Answer: (A)

Von Willebrand disease is most commonly inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. A single mutated copy of the VWF gene can lead to reduced or defective von Willebrand factor, so carriers in successive generations may show symptoms in both sexes. This explains why the dominant inheritance statement fits the typical forms (especially type 1 and many type 2 variants) and why it’s the best general description. There are rare autosomal recessive cases (notably type 3) with more severe bleeding, but they are much less common. The condition is not X-linked or mitochondrial, which would show different family patterns.

Von Willebrand disease is most commonly inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. A single mutated copy of the VWF gene can lead to reduced or defective von Willebrand factor, so carriers in successive generations may show symptoms in both sexes. This explains why the dominant inheritance statement fits the typical forms (especially type 1 and many type 2 variants) and why it’s the best general description. There are rare autosomal recessive cases (notably type 3) with more severe bleeding, but they are much less common. The condition is not X-linked or mitochondrial, which would show different family patterns.