Bladder pheochromocytoma: a 3-year follow-up after transurethral resection (TURB)

Mastering bladder paraganglioma for optimal treatment: a case report of robot-assisted surgery

Bladder paraganglioma is a rare neuroendocrine neoplasm, either functional or non-functional, arising from the urinary bladder. Functional variants present with catecholamine-related symptoms, while non-functional variants pose diagnostic challenges, mimicking urothelial carcinoma. Misdiagnosis risks underscore the importance of accurate identification for appropriate patient management. In this case, a 52-year-old man, diagnosed incidentally with hypertension and reported occasional post-micturition tachycardia, underwent abdominal ultrasound for known hepatic cyst follow-up, revealing an oval hypoechoic bladder mass. Initial consideration of bladder urothelial carcinoma prompted further investigation with contrast-enhanced CT scan and cystoscopy that confirmed extrinsic mass nature, and subsequent robotic-assisted partial cystectomy was performed. Histologically, the removed mass exhibited characteristic features of bladder paraganglioma. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with resolution of post-micturition tachycardia at 1 month. Follow-up includes endocrinological evaluation and a 6-month CT scan. In conclusion, bladder paraganglioma should be considered in para-vesical mass differentials. This case highlights the importance of meticulous history collection, even in asymptomatic patients, the need for a multidisciplinary approach for accurate diagnosis and management of this rare condition, and the robotic approach as a viable option.

Paraganglioma (pheochromocytoma) of the urinary bladder: A systematic review with a diagnostic, management and treatment algorithm

Introduction:

Paraganglioma of the urinary bladder is a rare but well-documented tumour. Herein, we provide the largest, comprehensive systematic review of the literature and aim to increase familiarity with this rare but significant neoplasm.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was conducted on the NCBI PubMed database. The search criteria were not limited to any specific years or languages. There were 418 articles between January 1953 and August 2020, of which 255 case reports were selected.

Results:

Paragangliomas of the urinary bladder most commonly occurred in Caucasians in the fifth decade of life, most commonly presenting with haematuria and variations of ‘micturition attacks’. Eighty percent of tumours were functionally active. The mucosa was normal in 91% of patients. In all, 25% of tumours were treated with transurethral resection alone, 65% had partial cystectomy and 5% had radical cystectomy. Alpha-blockers were administered pre-operatively in 38% of patients and the risk of intra-operative hypertensive crisis was over three times greater in those who did not receive an alpha-blocker. The tumour was confined to the bladder in 75% of cases. Metastasis occurred in 20% of cases, most commonly to iliac nodes. The mean follow-up time was 26.5 months. In cases that documented follow-up, 18.6% had recurrence, most commonly in lymph nodes and bone.

Conclusion:

All patients presenting with micturition attacks or haematuria with a computed tomography showing an enhancing, well-defined submucosal bladder lesion and/or cystoscopy showing a lesion with normal overlying mucosa should be worked up for a possible paraganglioma of the urinary bladder.

Level of evidence:

Not applicable

Bladder Paraganglioma: Three Cases Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Bladder paraganglioma (BPG) is one of the rare neuroendocrine neoplasms that develops from neural crest cells. It categorizes into functional and non-functional types based on the catecholamines secretion. Currently, functional BPG is predicted in advance based on signs and symptoms of catecholamine excess, such as hypertension and "micturition attacks". However, it is often overlooked because of its rareness. Misdiagnosis of a functional tumor may increase the risk of surgical intervention.

CASE PRESENTATION

We reported 3 cases of BPG that they were admitted to the hospital due to abdominal pain or gross hematuria. Computed tomography (CT) scans showed space-occupying lesions in the bladders with diameters less than 3cm. There were no typical catecholamine excess symptoms before surgical intervention. Postoperative pathology confirmed BPG after removal of the tumor. We also analyze 69 cases of BPG that has been reported and found that 78.0% cases were functional among the tumors larger than 3cm.

CONCLUSION

Bladder tumors larger than 3cm in diameter can serve as an additional predictor of functional BPG. Patients who are suspected should undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, 123/131 metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scan, and have their catecholamine levels tested. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, patients should be started on fluid replacement therapy and adrenergic blockade to abate the disorders associated with catecholamine excess.

Bladder Preservation for Patients With Bladder Paragangliomas: Case Series and Review of the Literature

Bladder paragangliomas are rare tumors, with no prospective studies or guidelines on the management of this disease. We present a case series of 6 patients managed with bladder preservation over a median follow-up period of 124 months. We also present a review of the recent literature on bladder paragangliomas. We aim to provide a timely synthesis of the recent evidence on bladder paragangliomas as changing paradigms necessitate individualized treatment.

Case - Bladder paraganglioma in a pediatric patient

N/A

Non-Functional Paraganglioma of the Urinary Bladder Treated by Transurethral Resection: Report of Two Cases

Paraganglioma of the urinary bladder is a rare tumour derived from chromaffin tissue of the sympathetic nervous system. Paraganglioma of the urinary bladder especially the non-functional type is often misdiagnosed as urothelial cancer. Two female patients aged 32 years and 45 years presented with painless haematuria without any symptoms of catecholamine excess. Radiological investigations revealed urinary bladder tumour. The tumour was removed by transurethral resection in both the patients. Histopathological diagnosis was paraganglioma, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Complete resection of tumour by transurethral approach is curative in paraganglioma of the urinary bladder. We hereby, also discuss the salient features of nonfunctional paraganglioma of the urinary bladder.

Pelvic paraganglioma: a rare and unusual clinical presentation of paraganglioma

Paraganglioma of the urinary bladder is a rare tumour of the urinary bladder causing palpitation, headache, paroxysmal hypertension, tachycardia, blurring of vision and haematuria. Patients may present with these exaggerated symptoms during or just after micturition. We present a case of a 15-year-old girl who presented to us with accelerated hypertension, headache, palpitation and blurring of vision. On the basis of a positive family history, laboratory investigations and imaging studies, she was diagnosed to have an extra-adrenal paraganglioma. Complete enucleation of the tumour with preservation of the bladder was done. This case is reported because of the rarity of the disease in urology.

Pelvic pheochromocytoma mimicking as urinary bladder pheochromocytoma: looking beyond the obvious

Pheochromocytomas located outside the adrenal glands are called paragangliomas. A pelvic location is rare, the most common location for a paraganglioma being the retroperitoneal space. Paragangliomas arise from neural crest cells. Pelvic pheochromocytomas may mimic urinary bladder pheochromocytomas on imaging studies. Patients may present with hypertensive crisis during micturition. We present a 26-year-old female who presented to us with accelerated hypertension with episodes of severe headache and palpitation during micturition. Based on imaging studies, she was diagnosed to have a urinary bladder pheochromocytoma. However, on exploration, the patient was found to have an extravesical pheochromocytoma arising from the left posterolateral pelvic wall, which was excised while preserving the bladder. We present this case report as pelvic pheochromocytomas can mimic bladder pheochromocytomas and are difficult to differentiate on radiological imaging and can lead to inadvertent cystectomy.

Transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) as an optional treatment method on pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder

Pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder is rare. We have experienced a case of unexpected pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder in a 45-year-old female. An ultrasonographic, computed tomography scan and cystoscopic examination showed a submucosal bladder mass. After transurethral resection of bladder tumour was performed, the bladder mass was confirmed as pheochromocytoma by a pathologist. After surgery, the patient underwent a subsequent pelvic magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography and I(131)-methyliodobenzylguanidine (I(131)-MIBG). An image study showed no residual tumour sites and no lymphatic metastasis. The patient has had no tumour recurrence and no voiding symptoms 3 years after the surgery.

Pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder: a systematic review of the contemporary literature

Background

Pheochromocytoma (paraganglioma) of the urinary bladder is a rare tumor. Herein we sought to review the contemporary literature on pheochromocytomas of the urinary bladder in order to further illustrate the presentation, treatment options and outcomes of patients diagnosed with these tumors.

Methods

A comprehensive review of the current literature was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines by accessing the NCBI PubMed database and using the search terms “paraganglioma, pheochromocytoma, bladder.” This search resulted in the identification of 186 articles published between January 1980 and April 2012 of which 80 articles were ultimately included in our analysis.

Results

Pheochromocytomas usually occurred in young adult Caucasians (mean age, 43.3 years; range,11–84 years). According to the literature, the most common symptoms and signs of pheochromocytomas of the urinary bladder were hypertension, headache, and hematuria. Of the 77 cases that commented on catecholamine production, 65 patients had biochemically functional tumors. Approximately 20% of patients were treated by transurethral resection alone, 70% by partial cystectomy and 10% by radical cystectomy. The 75 patients with follow-up information had a mean follow-up of 35 months. At the time of last follow-up, 15 (14.2%) had disease recurrence, 10 (9.4%) had metastasis, and 65 (61.3%) were alive.

Conclusions

Pheochromocytomas of the urinary bladder tend to be functional and occur mostly in young adult Caucasians. Patients with localized tumors have an extremely favorable prognosis and may be managed by less aggressive modalities, whereas patients with metastatic disease have a significant reduction in survival rates despite aggressive treatment.

Transurethral partial cystectomy with 2 μm thulium continuous wave laser in the treatment of bladder pheochromocytoma

PURPOSE

To introduce transurethal partial cystectomy with a 2013 nm thulium laser as a treatment for paraganglioma of the urinary bladder in adults.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three patients with pheochromocytomas were treated transurethrally with a 2013 nm thulium laser under general anesthesia. A 2013 nm thulium laser was used to incise the full-thickness bladder wall around the tumors. The entire bladder wall was peeled between the detrusor muscle layer and outer connective tissues. Tumors with full-thickness detrusor muscle layers at the base were removed together. Intraoperative fluctuation of blood pressure, preoperative values of 24-hour urine catecholamine (CA) and vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), and postoperative complications were observed, and postoperative followtwoups were performed.

RESULTS

All operations were successful. Operative time was 25 to 32 minutes. Perioperative blood pressure was stable in two cases while blood pressure fluctuated in the third case. When the entire tumor and the full-thickness bladder wall at the base were freed, blood pressure reverted to stability. All values of 24-hour urine CA and VMA were within normal limits postoperatively. Patients were followed for 7 to 9 months postoperatively with no recurrence. This series included highly selected patients who were treated by a single senior surgeon who is rich in experience in performing 2013 nm thulium laser procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first report of a 2013 nm thulium laser used to treat bladder pheochromocytoma. It can be applied to precisely vaporize and incise the full-thickness bladder wall and cut down the blood supply of the tumor, then peel it while blood pressure remains stable, thus completing partial cystectomy for bladder pheochromocytoma safely.

Robotic management of pheochromocytoma of the vesicoureteric junction

This study describes a case of urinary bladder pheochromocytoma that presented with paraneoplastic manifestation of bowel symptoms and thrombocytosis managed with laparoscopic techniques.

Pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder is rare, presenting usually with hypertension, hematuria and syncopal attacks. Such cases have usually been managed with open or laparoscopic partial cystectomy. We present a case of bladder pheochromocytoma that had unusual presenting symptoms, a paraneoplastic manifestation and was successfully managed with robotic technique.

Diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytoma in urinary bladder

OBJECTIVE

To study the diagnosis and treatment of pheochromocytoma in urinary bladder.

METHODS

Six cases of bladder pheochromocytoma were studied. Four cases showed hypertension, 3 of which were paroxysmal hypertension during urination. Catecholamine (CA) was increased in a case, and vanillymandelic acid (VMA) was increased in 2 cases. Bladder submucosal mass was detected by B-ultrasound in 5 cases (5/5), computerized tomography (CT) in 3 cases (3/3), cystoscopy in 5 cases (5/6). Four cases took alpha-receptor blocker for 2 weeks, 1 case took beta-receptor blocker to decrease heart rate. All patients were treated with surgical operation including 4 partial cystectomies, 2 excavations.

RESULTS

Three cases had manifestations including headache, excessive perspiration and hypertension during cystoscopy. Four cases were confirmed before operation. Two cases showed hypertension during operation. All patients were pathologically diagnosed as pheochromocytoma postoperatively. In five cases followed up, blood pressure returned to normal. No patient had relapse and malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Typical hypertension during urination comprised the main symptoms. We should highly suspect bladder pheochromocytoma if a submucosal mass was discovered with B-ultrasound, CT, (131)I-MIBG (methyliodobenzylguanidine) and cystoscopy. The determination of CA in urine is valuable for qualitative diagnosis. The preoperative management of controlling blood pressure and expansion of the blood volume are very important. Surgical operation is a good method for effective treatment. Postoperative long-time followed up is necessary.

Paraganglioma of the Bladder: Controversy regarding Treatment

Paragangliomas or extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas account for approximately 15% of all pheochromocytomas. They are usually found in an intradiaphragmatic location. Paragangliomas of the urinary bladder are infrequent and represent 6% of the paragangliomas and 0.06% of all bladder tumors. We describe 2 cases of urinary bladder paragangliomas attended to our center and review the literature with special attention to treatment, since there is some controversy around the management of these tumors. Surgical options include partial or total cystectomy and transurethral resection, but there is no consensus regarding these treatment modalities. The 2 patients presented underwent transurethral resection with a good outcome and no recurrence or residual disease.

[Bladder paraganglioma (pheochromocytoma): report of a new case]

The authors report one case of vesical paraganglioma, not suspected in a 50-years-old female patient who presented gross hematuria as only symptom. The patient was not hypertensive. Radiologic and endoscopic investigations revealed a trigonal submucosal tumour. Complete transurethral resection of the tumor was performed with no intraoperative complications. The histopathological diagnosis indicated pheochromocytoma. Blood pressure was stable. There has been no recurrence for 18 months after transurethral resection.

Pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder without typical symptoms

Pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder is an unusual tumor that typically presents with hypertensive crises related to micturition. We report, herein, the case of a 62-year-old woman with bladder pheochromocytoma. The patient presented with a bladder tumor that was incidentally found by computed tomography (CT) without the triad of sustained hypertension, hematuria and postmicturitional syncope. Cystoscopy revealed a yellowish submucosal tumor in the right lateral wall of the bladder. Treatment consisted of transurethral resection in the initial diagnosis of bladder tumor. A definitive diagnosis was made postoperatively upon pathological examination. The patient has been followed up for 12 months and has shown no recurrence.

Pheochromocytoma of the urinary bladder

The case of a 65-year-old male with pheochromocytoma arising in the urinary bladder is presented. Clinical evaluation included ultrasonography, intravenous pyelography and computerized tomography (CT) scan. Transurethral resection of an exophytic tumor 1 cm in diameter was performed. The histological diagnosis was pheochromocytoma of the bladder. The evaluation and management of this type of tumor is discussed.

Combined laparoscopic and transurethral partial cystectomy for juxta-ureteral pheochromocytoma of the bladder

An 18-year-old boy with a 2.5 cm by 3 cm pheochromocytoma involving the posterior wall of the bladder just above the interureteric bar was successfully treated by partial cystectomy, using a combined transurethral and laparoscopic approach. Although laparoscopic excision of pheochromocytoma on the anterior wall of the bladder has previously been reported, this is the first case where a laparo-endoscopic approach was used for a difficult posterior wall juxta-ureteral tumour.