Phaeochromocytomas of the Bladder

Phaeochromocytomas of the bladder are rare, only about 100 cases having been reported previously. Four adults with these lesions have been managed at Hammersmith Hospital in the past 10 years. Three patients had hypertension, together with syncopal attacks and/or headaches, induced by micturition. The fourth patient presented with haematuria. After control of blood pressure and localization of the tumours by various combinations of cystoscopy, intravenous urography, venous sampling, ultrasound, angiography and computerized coaxial tomography (CT scanning), 3 patients underwent partial cystectomy, and the fourth pelvic exenteration. Two patients were apparently cured of the disease, but 2 were not. One developed nodal metastases and recurrence of hypertension after 18 months and one rapidly developed metastases in the lungs and elsewhere. Effective therapy probably requires a high index of suspicion in diagnosing the condition and possibly an aggressive surgical and radiotherapeutic policy.