Pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder

Pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder is rare. Herein, we report our experience with pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder in three patients.

Records of three consecutive patients diagnosed with bladder pheochromocytoma were reviewed. Patients' age, sex, presentation, associated conditions, diagnostic and imaging modalities utilized, management and follow up were recorded.

The three patients included one child and two adults. An 11-year-old female presented with hematuria and bladder mass. Transurethral biopsy was non-diagnostic and she underwent partial cystectomy with eventual diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Of the two adults, one was a 35-year-old female with history of gestational tumor who was being followed with computed tomography (CT) scan. A bladder mass was incidentally discovered. Transurethral resection of bladder tumor revealed pheochromocytoma and she underwent partial cystectomy. In retrospect, she has had symptoms related to micturition. The third patient is a 32-year-old male, who presented with fainting on voiding which suggested pheochromocytoma. He was also managed with partial cystectomy. There were no perioperative complications in any of the three patients.

Pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder has unique characteristics. A high index of suspicion should be present in patients who present with suggestive symptoms associated with voiding. In this series, all patients were successfully managed with partial cystectomy.