Bladder phaeochromocytoma. A case report.

Objective: Report of a new case of a rare bladder tumour: bladder phaeochro mocytoma. Material and Methods: A 45-year-old patient presented with paroxysmal sympt oms consisting of headaches, palpitations, tinnitus and excessive sweating after each micturition. Complementary investigations: ultrasonography, intr avenous urography and magnetic resonance imaging, suggested a circumscribed tumour with a 2 cm long axis in the bladder dome, and the diagnosis of bla dder phaeochromocytoma was proposed. Partial cystectomy was performed. Results: The postoperative course was uneventful and the subsequent outcome was favourable with resolution of all symptoms with a follow-up of 28 mont hs. Histological examination of the operative specimen confirmed the diagno sis of bladder phaeochromocytoma. Conclusion: Bladder phaeochromocytoma is a rare tumour. Treatment of this l esion requires the same preparation as for any other site of phaeochromocyt oma. Partial cystectomy ensures radical and effective treatment. Long-term surveillance is necessary, as recurrences or metastases have been described 20 and 40 years after treatment.