Pheochromocytoma of the bladder. A case report

A 39-year-old male patient with attacks of headache and tachycardia immediately after micturition is described. Systolic blood pressure of 250 mmHg was measured after voiding. Plasma noradrenaline was increased 10 to 20 times above the normal value during the attacks. Cystoscopy, arteriography, catheterization of the caval vein with sampling for plasma catecholamines and computerized tomography all supported the diagnosis of a bladder tumour. A beneficial effect of alpha-receptor blockade preoperatively was demonstrated. The tumour was operatively removed from the bladder. The postoperative course was uneventful.