[Asymptomatic pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder : a case for which preoperative diagnosis was possible]

A 62-year-old man who was diagnosed as having a bladder tumor by computerized tomography in another hospital. On August 4,2006 he visited our hospital. Cystoscopic examination revealed a submucosal tumor posterior to the right orifice. Computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed the same findings. Therefore, we considered the possibility of asymptomatic pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder. 131I-metaiodoberzyl guanidine scanography showed an abnormal accumulation in the bladder. Endocrinologic examination disclosed an increased level of serum and urinary noradrenalin. Pheochromocytoma of the bladder was diagnosed, and on October 25, 2006 a partial cystectomy and right ureteroneostomy were performed. Histologically, the tumor was pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder. He has been receiving follow-up clinical observation for 30 months following the operation, and there has not been any evidence of recurrence.