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Objectives: Preoperative Vesical Imaging-Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) becomes widespread. We aimed to validate the diagnostic performance of VI-RADS in differentiating muscle-invasive (MIBC) from non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) in a real-world setting., Methods: Between December 2019 and February 2022 suspected primary bladder cancer patients were reviewed. Those with proper multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) protocol for VI-RADS before any invasive treatment were included. Patients were locally staged according to transurethral resection, second resection, or radical cystectomy as the reference standard. Two experienced genitourinary radiologists who were blinded to clinical and histopathological data evaluated the mpMRI images independently and retrospectively. The diagnostic performance of both radiologists and the interreader agreement were analyzed., Results: Among 96 patients, 20 (20.8%) had MIBC, and 76 (79.2%) had NMIBC. Both radiologists had great diagnostic performance in diagnosing MIBC. The first radiologist had an area under curve (AUC) of 0.83 and 0.84, the sensitivity of 85% and 80%, and the specificity of 80.3% and 88.2% for VI-RADS ≥3 and ≥4, respectively. The second radiologist had an area under curve (AUC) of 0.79 and 0.77, the sensitivity of 85% and 65%, and the specificity of 73.7% and 89.5% for VI-RADS ≥3 and ≥4, respectively. The overall VI-RADS score agreement between the two radiologists was moderate (κ = 0.45)., Conclusion: VI-RADS is diagnostically powerful in differentiating MIBC from NMBIC prior to transurethral resection. The agreement between radiologists is moderate., (Copyright © 2023 AEU. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Inverted urothelial papilloma is a very rare neoplasm in the pediatric population. Because of the low incidence of cases and the reports of atypical components, the management and follow-up plan is not standardized., Objective: To report a case of inverted papilloma in a female adolescent and to review the diagnostic approach, management, and follow-up plan for this entity., Clinical Case: We reported a case of inverted papilloma as an incidental finding of a polypoid lesion on bladder ultrasound in a 13-year-old adolescent. Endoscopic resection was performed, and the histopathological analysis was compatible with inverted urothelial papilloma. The patient remains asymptomatic, with no evidence of recurrence after 3 years of ultrasound follow-up., Conclusion: This case supports the benign beha vior of inverted papilloma, highlighting the importance of a correct histopathological diagnosis for the decision to carry out a non-invasive ultrasound follow-up.

Objective: to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of the VI-RADS® system in the differentiation of non-muscle-invasive bladder tumors (NMIBT from muscle-invasive bladder tumors (MIBT in suspicious cystoscopic findings without prior transurethral resection (TUR evaluated by radiologists with no prior experience in its use., Material and Methods: retrospective study carried out with 18 patients with suspicious lesions in cystoscopy. All of them underwent MRI of the bladder. Two radiologists with no prior experience in the use of the VI-RADS® system evaluated the results. All patients underwent TUR of the suspicious lesions after MRI. The sensitivity and specificity of the system were analyzed for VI-RADS® values ≥ 3 or VI-RADS® ≥ 4, as well as the Cohen's kappa coefficient between both radiologists., Results: the mean values of sensitivity and specificity of both radiologists considering both the VI-RADS® ≥ 3 or VI-RADS® ≥ 4 values were 91.7% and 87.5%, respectively. The kappa coefficient considering the VI-RADS® ≥ 3 as positive, was 0.551 (P<.05), while considering the VI-RADS® ≥ 4 as positive, it was 0.571 (P<.05)., Conclusion: The VI--RADS® system presents excellent sensitivity (91.7% and specificity (87.5% values in the classification of MIBT performed by radiologists with no prior experience in its use, with a moderate interobserver agreement., (Copyright © 2020 AEU. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objective: ICG navigation in cancer surgery may help during pelvic lymphadenectomy., Methods: We performed a systematic review combining the terms: bladder cancer or radical cystectomy and ICG, and prostate cancer or radical prostatectomy and ICG. We used the PRISMA guidelines recommendations. We describe the populations studied in each work, the pathological results, as well as the parameters specificity, sensitivity and predictive values., Results: In muscle-invasive bladder cancer, 4 case series analyzed the performance of lymphography with ICG. The most accepted injection method is under endoscopic vision. Several punctures are done in the submucosa and the detrusor surrounding the scar. Sentinel nodes were found in up to 92% of patients with a technique sensitivity to find metastases of 88% in the series with largest casuistry. In prostate cancer, we collected data from 11 case series. Nine of them apply transrectal or transperineal dilution immediately before surgery. Sensitivity in the detection of all adenopathies ranged between 44% and 100%. The sensitivity of the technique to know the lymph node stage ranges between 67% and 100%., Conclusions: There is little experience of ICG-guided lymph node dissedction in bladder tumors. Endoscopic fluorophore injection allows us to find the nodes that drain the infiltrated area. However, the use of this technique is not widespread. In prostate cancer, it is a reproducible and efficient technique for staging patients with prostate cancer.

Introduction: New imaging studies have appeared in recent years for the diagnosis and follow-up of metastatic urological tumours., Material and Methods: A total of 41 patients were reviewed with suspected recurrence of a urothelial or kidney tumour, analysing the diagnostic performance of PET-CT scans undertaken between 2013 and 2016., Results: We collected 17 urothelial tumours and 24 renal tumours, with a median follow-up of 30 months. A total of 39.3% of the urothelial tumours were high grade and 29.3% of the kidney tumours were clear cell Fuhrman II. As a whole, the imaging studies detected recurrences in 34 patients. CT was positive in 83% of the patients, while the PET scan was positive in 75.6%, CT/PET coincidence was 50%. The PET scan detected further disease in 41% of the cases compared to 5% by CT. This resulted in a change of therapeutic strategy in 40% of the patients. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for the CT and the PET scans were 92% and 92%, 57% and 100%, 92% and 100%, and 57% and 70% respectively., Conclusion: The PET scan showed similar sensitivity for urological tumours to the standard imaging techniques but with higher specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value. This led to a change in treatment strategy for 40% of the patients in our series. The PET scan will probably become the standard test in the extension and follow-up studies of most urological tumours., (Copyright © 2018 AEU. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Pheochromocytoma (PHEO) is rare and belongs to the group of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). These tumours can be found anywhere from the neck to the pelvis associated with sympathetic ganglia. Morphological imaging, for example CT, provides excellent anatomical detail and high sensitivity but lacks specificity as difficulties may occur when distinguishing between tumours derived from the sympathetic nervous system and other tumour entities. In contrast to anatomical imaging, functional imaging ( 123 I-MIBG, 68 Ga-DOTA-TOC PET) provides high sensitivity and specificity in detecting NETs. Early detection of PHEO is crucial and has a major effect on treatment and prognosis. This case report describes the important role of anatomical and functional imaging in a patient with a neuroendocrine tumour of unusual origin., (Copyright © 2018. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

Introduction: Muscle-invasive bladder malignancies represent 20-30% of all bladder cancers. These patients require imaging tests to determine the regional and distant staging., Objective: To describe the role of various imaging tests in the diagnosis, staging and follow-up of muscle-invasive bladder cancer. To assess recent developments in radiology aimed at improving the sensitivity and specificity of local staging and treatment response., Acquisition of Evidence: We conducted an updated literature review., Synthesis of the Evidence: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the tests of choice for performing proper staging prior to surgery. Computed tomography urography is currently the most widely used technique, although it has limitations in local staging. Ultrasonography still has a limited role. Recent developments in MRI have improved its capacity for local staging. MRI has been suggested as the test of choice for the follow-up, with promising results in assessing treatment response. Positron emission tomography could improve the detection of adenopathies and extrapelvic metastatic disease., Conclusions: Imaging tests are essential for the diagnosis, staging and follow-up of muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Recent technical developments represent important improvements in local staging and have opened the possibility of assessing treatment response., (Copyright © 2017 AEU. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To evaluate the utility of virtual cystoscopy (VC) performed with CT urography in patients being studied under gross hematuria or patients being followed-up after a previous bladder cancer and compare the results with those obtained with gold standard technique (optical cystoscopy)., Methods: Retrospective study of 117 patients who were referred for VC by the Urology Department between May 2014 and May 2015. Those patients presented with gross hematuria or they were previously treated patients from bladder cancer being followed up. These patients were evaluated with MDCT and virtual cystoscopy after distending the bladder with air. The results were compared with those obtained with optical cystoscopy which was performed no more than a week after., Results: The global sensitivity and specificity of VC were 81,8 and 92,1%. Aditional findings detected in CT urography were an aortic dissection, urinary lithiasis and colonic metastasis., Conclusion: VC seems an useful technique in the diagnosis and follow-up for bladder cancer with a good correlation with OC. The main limitations are the impossibility of biopsy during the procedure and the detection of erythematous lesions. Collateral findings can be detected performed with CT urography although the high radiation exposure does not recommend their combined use., (Copyright © 2017 SERAM. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

In many cases, numb chin syndrome (NCS) may represent a banal pathology. However, as it can be associated with malignant processes, its presence should alert the clinician of a possible occult disease. In patients already diagnosed with cancer, it often represents an ominous sign that indicates poor prognosis, due to the rapid progress of the disease. The case is presented of a 62-year-old man diagnosed with synchronous lung and bladder cancer, who suddenly complained of numbness in the chin. The bone scan confirmed the suspicion of metastastic bone disease, and the patient died two months after the appearance of this sign., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y SEMNIM. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, and accuracy of computed tomographic urography for the detection of bladder tumors in patients with microscopic hematuria., Material and Methods: Patients with microscopic hematuria initially evaluated with computed tomography and cystoscopy from January 2006 to December 2009 were evaluated. Computed tomography detecting a bladder lesion suspicious of malignancy was considered positive. Cystoscopy was classified as positive when a lesion requiring biopsy or resection was found. Performance characteristics of computed tomography were determined by comparing with cystoscopic and pathological findings., Results: A total of 112 patients were eligible for analysis. Seven tumors were found on cystoscopy; of these, 2 were correctly diagnosed by computed tomography and 5 were missed. An additional case was considered erroneously positive. The results are a sensitivity of 29%, specificity of 99%, positive predictive value of 67%, negative predictive value of 95%, and accuracy of 95%., Conclusions: Although computed tomography has a high specificity its sensitivity is limited. For this reason conventional cystoscopy should be considered the standard for bladder evaluation of patients with microscopic hematuria., (Copyright © 2012 AEU. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To describe a case of endo-salpingiosis of bladder and review of the literature., Method: A 38 years old women referred to an outpatient urology clinic with postmenstrual voiding symptoms., Results: We studied her and ultrasound imaging detects tumor that was confirmed by cystoscopy. She is diagnosed of endosalpingiosis of the bladder after transurethral resection, and a CT shows a consistent mass next to left adnexal with high probablility of being an endometrioma., Conclusions: Endosalpingiosis of the bladder is a rare disease that occurs in young women with cyclic urinary symptoms. The implantation of tubular tissue in the bladder is diagnosed and treated definitively by tumor excision and anatomopathologic examination.

Introduction: Imaging techniques, primarily ultrasound, are useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with schistosomiasis in endemic areas., Methods: Study of 219 patients treated in sub-Saharan Tropical Medicine Unit with a diagnosis of imported schistosomiasis by imaging techniques investigations including plain abdominal radiography and ultrasound., Results: A total of 17.8% of patients who had an abdominal X-ray showed findings suggestive of schistosomiasis, in most cases bladder calcifications. In 73 patients (41%) ultrasound showed pathological findings, mainly diffuse or focal wall thickening (26 patients), nodular lesions (n=14), and pseudopolyps (n=8). One patient, who had a large bladder mass (9cm) and bilateral ureterohydronephrosis, was finally diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder. Ultrasound liver abnormalities were found in 10 patients, 4 with signs of portal hypertension, of which 3 had the characteristic periportal fibrosis in schistosomiasis., Conclusion: Imaging studies, especially abdominal and bladder ultrasound, are useful for diagnosis, the study of disease and monitoring of patients with schistosomiasis in non-endemic countries., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To assess the incidence, characteristics and outcome of upper urinary tract tumors (UUTTs) that developed in patients who underwent radical cystectomy for urothelial carcinoma., Methods: We performed an analysis of original and review articles that were related to post-cystectomy UUTTs. The articles were published from 1984 through 2011 and were identified by searching the Pub Med database., Results: The incidence of post-cystectomy UUTT ranges from 2-6% and is stable over time. The primary risk factors include a tumor in the distal ureter in the cystectomy specimen and signs of multifocal disease (e.g., multiplicity, a history of non-muscle-invasive bladder tumor, diffuse carcinoma in situ and the presence of a tumor in the prostatic urethra). The median time between cystectomy and UUTT exceeded three years in 70% of the reviewed cases. Even with regular radiological follow-up visits, over 50% of cases were diagnosed after clinical onset, and over 70% were in an advanced stage. Currently, a multidetector computed tomography urography is the standard technique for studying the upper urinary tract. In patients with urinary diversion, the maximum yield of cytology can be obtained when this technique is used to confirm a clinical or radiological suspicion of UUTT. Nephroureterectomy is the treatment of choice for these tumors. The high prevalence of high-grade and stage UUTT results in endourological treatment being restricted to only selected cases. Despite surgery, fewer than 30% of post-cystectomy UUTT patients experience prolonged survival., Conclusions: Post-cystectomy UUTT is rare and usually has a late onset. A distal ureteral tumor and the presence of multifocal disease are its primary risk factors. Most cases of post-cystectomy UUTT are diagnosed clinically and in advanced stages.

Objective: Metastases to the urinary bladder are rare, representing less than 2% of bladder tumors. We report two cases of bladder involvement by primary gastric adenocarcinoma and perform a bibliographic review of the literature on this subject., Methods: A search for published data was performed in the PubMed database using the key words "bladder", "secondary malignant tumors" and "metastatic gastric carcinoma". We reviewed the two cases of secondary bladder involvement by primary gastric adenocarcinoma managed at our institution., Results: Case 1: 62 year old female presenting with irritative LUTS, hypogastric pain and constitutional symptoms, with bilateral hydronephrosis. After bilateral nephrostomy, bladder wall biopsies revealed poorly differentiated metastatic gastric carcinoma. Case 2: 41 year old male with gastric adenocarcinoma diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy with pancreatic involvement, under neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen, with sporadic macroscopic hematuria. Cistoscopy revealed a protuberant bladder mass with biopsies conclusive for secondary bladder involvement by gastric carcinoma., Conclusion: Bladder metastasis from primary gastric adenocarcinoma usually means advanced disease with multiple metastatic involvement and peritoneal dissemination. The overall prognosis is very poor.

Objectives: Analyze the role of the Computerized Axial Tomography (TAC) like image study of pre-surgery stadification, in the subjected patients to radical cystectomy, for the treatment of muscle infiltrate bladder cancer., Methods: Retrospective study of cohorts on 63 subjected patients to radical cystectomy for bladder cancer, in oneself service, between january of 1995 and december of 2.005. The capacity of the TAC was determined for the stadification bladder (pT), node (pN) and the results were compared, with the obtained ones in the pathological anatomy after the radical cystectomy, acording to TNM clasification. The possible impact of this image technique was evaluated in the change of surgical attitude in these patients., Results: The estimate of bladder affectation with TAC was correct in 28.6%, sub-estadificate in 50.8%, and up-estadificate in 20.6%. The TAC for the bladder possesses a lower sensibility the more outpost it is this affectation. It specificity is higher the more advanced locally is the cancer, oscillating among 44% in the pT2 and 94% in the pT4. Regarding the estadification node, it is correct in 73.5% of all cases, although this percentage depends almost exclusively on the patients with negative node (N -). These data offer us a sensibility of 28%, specificity of 55%, positive predictive value of 68% and negative predictive of 67%., Summary: The impact of the TAC in the clinical estadification of the infiltrate bladder cancer is relatively low. The biggest benefit is obtained in patient with suspicion of advanced illness. Its limitation to this group would suppose a significant reduction of costs, with low risk of an inappropriate surgical handling.

Upper tract transitional cell carcinoma is a low prevalent tumour and frequently associated to bladder carcinoma. The antegrade endoscopic access represents a safe, efficient and minimally invasive access. The association to immunotherapy seems effective in decreasing recurrence. We present one patient with multiple upper tract carcinoma treated with percutaneous surgery and BCG.

Ultrasonic endoscopy or endosonography is a diagnostic tool that currently becomes one of the most citated innovations to resolve difficult problems in gastroenterology. The article reviews the currently accepted indications by the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Objective: To present a new case of a primary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the urinary bladder., Material and Methods: We describe the clinical, diagnosis, treatment and development of this kind of tumor. Review of the literature., Conclusions: It is an unusual type of bladder cancer that requires a carefully analyse from the pathologist and a confirmation by means of immunohistochemistry techniques. The focal form is associated with poor prognosis. Radical cystectomy is the gold standard. This kind of tumor has sensibility to chemo and radiotherapy, who can be used as adjuvant therapy.

We pass to describe a case of non Hodgkin's secondary lymphoma with metachronic affectation in bladder and left kidney, in a patient with different extranodals locations. Both in bladder and kidney, it was a low grade lymphoma type B with centrofolicular cells. We suggest haematogenous dissemination and affinity of lymphomatous clone to the urinary tract. We establish some diagnostic considerations, such about the therapeutic management in this type of pathologies.

Priapism associated with solid tumours is usually produced by penile metastasis or direct tumour infiltration of the corpora cavernosa. Neoplasias are responsible for between 3-8% of all cases of priapism, and in 80% of cases the primary tumour has a genito-urinary origin. Leukemoid reaction is an haematological disorder characterised by a leukocytosis of over 50000/microl, which develops reactively with different pathological processes such as severe inflammation, disseminated infections, intoxications and tumours. The pathophysiologic mechanism that explains priapism following leukemoid reaction is an intravascular obstruction due to blood hyperviscosity, leading to a blood stasis in the cavernosa veins, and impeding the drainage of the corpora cavernosa. We present a case of priapism in a patient with locally advanced bladder cancer, which was probably the result of blood hyperviscosity produced by a paraneoplastic leukemoid reaction.

Objectives: To study the state-of-the-art and potential applications of PET for urothelial tumors., Methods: We introduce the basics of the PET technique and perform a systematic bibliographic review on the use of PET in these tumors., Results: Clinical experience on PET in urothelial tumors is still limited. The main interest of this technique is detection and localization of lymph nodes and distant metastases., Conclusions: PET may be useful in staging, re-staging and for recurrences of upper urinary tract tumors, allowing avoiding more invasive diagnostic methods and more aggressive therapies; nevertheless more extensive clinical studies are necessary to support this indications.

Objectives: We report one case of left adrenal tumor discovered during the study of an infiltrating bladder carcinoma. We discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of the clinical case., Methods: Surgical procedure was undertaken with radical cystectomy and Bricker's type urinary diversion, plus adenomectomy by anterior approach., Results: The pathologic report showed a myelolipoma., Conclusions: Most adrenal tumors are benign, mainly if they are small and non-functioning. The protocol of hormonal study should include potassium and catecholamines. Tumors greater than 6 cm and functioning masses are indications for surgery. For oncological patients, surgical approach of the lesion is indicated if there is not evidence of dissemination.

Objectives: Bladder hemangiomas are exceptional benign tumours representing 0.6% bladder tumours. Most times they present as solitary, unique lesions; radiological signs are very similar to urothelial neoplasias making differential diagnosis or at least diagnostic suspicions very difficult due to its low incidence. We perform a bibliographic review and comment on its clinical and pathological characteristics, as well as on diagnostic methods and latest modifications in therapy., Methods: We present a case of bladder haemangioma secondary to pelvic radiotherapy, being this presentation unique among approximately 100 cases described in the literature., Results: From cystoscopy we suspected the lesion could be an endothelial neoplasia based on its vascular appearance. We performed transurethral resection and electrocoagulation of the lesion because it was small and unique. Pathology report confirmed it was a bladder hemangioma secondary to radiotherapy, being this an exceptional presentation. There has been no relapse up to date., Conclusion: We think that resection and electrocoagulation of unique, solitary bladder hemangiomas is a therapeutic option to be taken into consideration in the management of this kind of benign tumours.

Objectives: To evaluate the reliability of bladder transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) staging, comparing findings on computerized tomography (CT) with pathologic results after radical cystectomy., Methods: We retrospectively review 115 consecutive patients with bladder TCC undergoing radical cystectomy. Preoperative CT findings were compared with pathology results obtained after cystectomy and lymphadenectomy., Results: We found that as a whole CT showed a tendency to local overstaging of 27.8% for tumours infiltrating bladder wall only, and understaging of 36.5% Regarding lymph nodes involvement, CT overstaged 4.6% of patients and understaged 23.8%. CT was capable to detect only 7.15% pN positive cases. CT was unable to detect the only patient with intra-abdominal metastatic involvement., Conclusions: Abdomino-pelvic CT has real limitations to detect extra vesical extension and lymph node metastasis in patients with bladder TCC.

Objectives: To analyse the role of CT-scan on preoperative determination of bladder and lymph node involvement of infiltrative bladder cancer, and its possible impact on the surgical management of these patients., Methods: Retrospective study including 115 patients with the diagnosis of infiltrative bladder cancer between 1984 and 1999. The ability of CT-scan for bladder and lymph node staging was evaluated comparing results with the findings after radical surgery. Potential impact of this imaging technique on change of surgical attitudes was evaluated., Results: Perivesical involvement estimation by CT-scan was right in 36.5%, underestimated in 49.6% and overestimated in 14%. The more advanced the perivesical involvement the lower the sensitivity for CT-scan in perivesical staging. The more locally advanced tumour the higher specificity, oscillating between 44% for pT2 and 94% for pT4. In reference to lymph node staging, it was correct in 71.3% of the cases, although this percentage depended almost exclusively on patients with negative nodes (N-). However, there was a 24.3% understaging rate which corresponded to the majority of N+ patients. These data offer a 28% sensitivity, 93% specificity, 68% positive predictive value, and 72% negative predictive value. Finally, the reliability of bladder staging in patients with lymph node involvement (N+) (39 patients) was established; it was correctly estimated in as low as 30% of the cases with a 70% understaging rate. CT-scan would have modified surgical attitudes in only 6 patients (5%), all of them with advanced tumours., Conclusions: The impact of CT-scan on infiltrative bladder cancer clinical staging is relatively low. The highest benefit is obtained in patients suspect of having advanced disease. Limitation to this group would result in significative cost reductions with low risk for unappropriate surgical management.

Objectives: To review the role of computerized tomography on the diagnosis of intradiverticulum bladder cancer. We present images of various cases and perform a bibliographic review., Methods: 5 cases of intra-diverticulum bladder cancer were identified after a retrospective review. All cases had pathological confirmation. Radiological findings are reviewed for this technique and compared with those obtained by other diagnostic tests., Results: CT scan allowed the diagnosis of the disease and its extension. Lateral wall was the most frequent diverticulum location and intra-diverticulum mass was the most frequent clinical presentation. Two patients showed tumor calcification, one in the peripheral area, the other allover the tumor area. Vascular behavior of these tumors is similar to the rest of non intra-diverticulum bladder neoplasms. Two cases showed main lumen involvement as well. All tumors were transitional cell carcinomas., Conclusions: CT scan is an efficient diagnostic method for the intra-diverticulum carcinoma as well as for extension determination, and it is essential for surgical planning.

A histopathological and immunohistochemical study of a case of nephrogenic adenoma of the bladder associated to glandular cystitis is presented with a very similar immunostaining to adenomatoid tumors in other organs and probably of a mesothelial origin. Its pathogenesis seems to correspond to a metaplastic change of the bladder's urothelium through anomalous differentiation of the reserve cells faced with different irritating agents. Because of its benign characteristics, we think that treatment can be confined to endoscopic observation and conservative technique.

Objective: To report a case of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder metastatic to the right knee and review the literature., Methods/results: A 65-year-old patient who had refused to undergo surgery for a T2 N0 M0 bladder tumor in 1995 was admitted for poor general condition and a mass in the right knee. Biopsy confirmed bony metastasis of a carcinoma compatible with primary urothelial tumor of the bladder., Conclusions: Bony metastasis of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder is relatively frequent and mainly to the spine. Distal bony lesions are rare and usually appear in the advanced stages of the disease.

Objective: To report a case of leiomyoma of the bladder in a patient with unspecific urinary symptoms and discuss the utility of the diagnostic imaging techniques., Methods/results: A 56-year-old woman who consulted for unspecific urinary symptoms is described. Patient evaluation with ultrasound, CT and MRI showed a mass in the posterior aspect of the urinary bladder., Conclusions: Leiomyoma of the bladder is an uncommon benign tumor that is asymptomatic in most of the cases and is frequently discovered incidentally during assessment for other conditions. The case described herein presented with unspecific urinary symptoms. Patient evaluation with different diagnostic imaging techniques was required for correct diagnosis and treatment.

Objective: For optimum treatment planning and to establish the prognosis, the main objectives of diagnostic imaging techniques after detecting a tumor in the urinary bladder are to determine 1) its nature and histological structure, 2) depth of bladder wall invasion, 3) tumor localization and involvement of the ureter and trigone, 4) involvement of bladder wall lymphatics, and (5) to determine if there is or no regional and/or distant mestatasis. The capabilities of the diagnostic imaging techniques in regard to achieving the foregoing objectives are analyzed., Methods: This study comprised 160 patients with a suspected or confirmed bladder tumor. The imaging methods utilized were: conventional radiology including IVP, retrograde and double contrast cystography, ultrasound, CT and MRI., Results: Analysis of the images allowed assessment of 18 morphological parameters, of which the following were among the most relevant: presence of ureterohydronephrosis, filling defect(s), tumor localization, tumor base, tumor-mucosa angle, wall stiffness, total wall thickness, changes observed in the perivesical space and degree of pelvic lymph node involvement. Visualization of a bladder filling defect confirms a bladder tumor. The predictors of the biological behaviour of bladder tumors, such as wall stiffness and lumen asymmetry, characteristically express tumor invasiveness. The tumor-mucosa angles in relation to tumor base and peritumoral edema express a higher grade of infiltration for the obtuse angles and a lower grade for the acute angles. Determining tumor stage with accuracy is the essential challenge of the imaging methods in the assessment of bladder cancer. Both CT and MRI are used to analyze four basic aspects prior to treatment: 1) tumor appearance, 2) presence or absence of perivesical invasion, 3) presence or absence of invasion of the adjacent organs, and 4) presence or absence of lymphadenopathies. The accuracy of CT for tumor staging is estimated to be 88%-92% for stage D1 and 80%-85% for stages C and B2, respectively, while MRI has an accuracy of 95% for stage B2 and 85% for tumor stages that compromise adjacent organs such as the prostate, uterus or vagina., Conclusions: Conventional radiological methods, together with transabdominal or transrectal ultrasound, have a high rate of accuracy for tumor detection. Determination of the stage of tumor invasion requires analysis of wall thickness, width of tumor base, tumor-mucosa angles and perivesical space. CT and MRI provide highly reliable diagnostic information on the foregoing. CT may present some difficulty in determining the stage of bladder wall invasion. With contrast enhancement, MRI has shown a greater capability to differentiate tumor stages B2 and C and is very similar to CT in detecting pelvic or retroperitoneal lymph node involvement.

Objective: To report a case of squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder, an uncommon tumor type, that presented with wide calcified areas. The literature on calcified bladder tumors is reviewed with special reference to the diagnostic aspects., Methods/results: The plain film, US and CT findings are presented. All the diagnostic imaging techniques demonstrated calcifications on the tumor surface and the characteristic curvilinear shape of this lesion., Conclusions: Calcified bladder carcinoma is rare and occurs in only 0.5% of the cases evaluated by conventional radiology. All calcifications probably arising in the bladder detected on conventional radiological evaluation should be studied further with other imaging techniques. If its etiology is unclear, cystoscopy with biopsy and/or a microbiological study should be performed.

Diagnosis of tumours during pregnancy is quite unusual, considering the low frequency of neoplasias in this period (1/1000 pregnancies) as well as the low incidence of bladder cancer in patients under 30, which makes the coincidence of both phenomena quite uncommon. The paper contributes the case of a 28-year old female diagnosed with bladder cancer during her pregnancy.

Objective: To report an additional case of bladder carcinosarcoma., Methods: An 87-year-old patient was admitted with a one-year history of gross hematuria. Ultrasound evaluation showed a bladder tumor and at cystoscopy a 4 x 3 cm polypoid, broad-based mass was found on the posterior wall of the bladder, surrounded by a multifocal papillary tumor., Results: The tumor was resected transurethrally. Histologically, the tumor was composed of chondrosarcoma and urothelial sarcoma. Immunohistochemically, the sarcomatous elements stained strongly with vimentin and the carcinomatous cells were strongly positive for keratin., Conclusions: The foregoing findings support the view that these neoplasms are true carcinosarcomas.

Objective: Cystoscopy is the most sensitive technique for the detection of bladder tumor recurrence, but is the least accepted by the patient. In our Service, 25% of cystoscopies are poorly tolerated. Our experience with alternatives to cystoscopy is described., Methods: Using cystoscopy as the gold standard, we analyzed the diagnostic yield of cytology, vesicorenal US and the combination of vesicorenal US and cytology. The techniques were compared for sensitivity vs 1-specificity., Results: The sensitivity of the alternative techniques was limited. At best it was 0.81 when US and cytology were used in combination. The specificity was low and the incidence of false negatives was 7.3%. Similarly, the diagnostic yield was better when US and cytology were used in combination (sensitivity vs 1-specificity = 0.77)., Conclusions: No technique, alone or in combination, can replace cystoscopy. However, alternate use of combined US and cytology with cystoscopy is efficient in the follow-up of bladder tumors and can reduce the number of cystoscopies. The delay in the diagnosis of recurrence probably has not negative negative influence on the history of the disease.

Ultrasonography is a fairly innocuous test in the follow-up of bladder tumours. Its results, however, can not be superposed to those of cystoscopy. This study aims to identify the risk factors for failure of transabdominal ultrasonography in the FU of bladder tumors. The influence of the primary tumour, sex and age of patients on the ability of ultrasonography to detect relapses was analyzed. Chi square and Student's t tests were used to associate the characteristics of primary tumours and patients to the results of ultrasonography. Student's t test was used to estimate the effect of diagnostic oversight in terms of annual recurrence rate and progression. The characteristics of primary tumours where relapse was detected or overlooked had no influence on the results of ultrasound follow-up as neither did age and sex. No differences were detected in recurrence rate of patients with anticipated (0.57) or overlooked (0.58) tumours. Although differences in progression rates (4.76% and 9% for overlooked and identified tumours, respectively) were substantial, they did not reach statistical significance. There are no features in the original tumour or the patient to anticipate the failure of ultrasound monitoring. Multiple and/or small relapses are overlooked more frequently that single and/or large ones, and tumours located in lateral walls, base and dome may be unnoticed. In spite of oversights, alternate ultrasound/cystoscopic monitoring does not compromise the outcome of the disease.

Objectives: Oat cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is extremely uncommon. To date, 87 cases have been reported in the literature. Histologically, these tumors are similar to oat cell carcinoma of the lung and in slightly more than half of the cases the tumor is associated with another carcinomatous component: urothelial, squamous carcinoma, adenocarcinoma or, more rarely, sarcomatoid carcinoma. A case of sarcomatoid small cell carcinoma is described herein., Methods/results: We report a case of sarcomatoid small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in a 79-year-old female patient. The tumor was in the advanced stages and was unamenable to resection. The patient was treated with multi-drug systemic chemotherapy, but she died five months after diagnosis. Light microscopy disclosed a carcinomatous component similar to oat cell carcinoma of the lung that stained with epithelial and neuroendocrine markers. The sarcomatoid component was histologically nondescript and showed extensive immunoreactivity to mesenchymal and epithelial markers., Conclusions: Sarcomatoid small cell carcinoma of the bladder is rare. To our knowledge, only five cases have been previously reported. It is aggressive, metastasizes early and has a poor diagnosis. Surgical resection with adjuvant multidrug systemic chemotherapy is currently the best available treatment.