Pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder.

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

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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.

RESULTS: 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.

CONCLUSIONS: 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.