Non-functioning paraganglioma of the urinary bladder: A case report and review of the literature

Contrast-enhanced CT in the differential diagnosis of bladder cancer and paraganglioma

PURPOSE

We sought to summarize the value of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in the differential diagnosis of bladder paraganglioma (BPG) and bladder cancer.

METHODS

The medical records of 19 patients with BPG (13 males, 6 females) and 56 patients with bladder cancer (49 males, 7 females) between November 2007 and June 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent unenhanced and contrast-enhanced CT scanning.

RESULTS

Patient age (46.4 ± 11.1 years vs. 58.6 ± 16.0 years), tumor calcification (1/19 vs. 18/56), stalk (0/19 vs. 10/56), internal vessels (15/19 vs. 19/56) and the enlarged adjacent supplying artery (14/19 vs. 10/56) were significantly different between BPG and bladder cancer (P < 0.05). The CT value in the corticomedullary phase (92.4 ± 16.6 HU vs. 64.0 ± 14.5 HU) and the contrast-enhanced value in the corticomedullary phase (54.5 ± 17.4 HU vs. 28.5 ± 12.8 HU) were significantly greater in BPG patients than in bladder cancer patients (P < 0.001), with corresponding area under the curve values of 0.930 and 0.912, respectively. The optimal cutoff values were 83.2 HU and 38.5 HU, respectively. A CT value > 83.2 HU in the corticomedullary phase and a contrast-enhanced CT value > 38.5 HU in the corticomedullary phase were used to indicate BPG with sensitivities of 78.9% and 89.5%, respectively, and specificities of 94.6% and 75.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The corticomedullary phase of CECT plays an important role in the preoperative differential diagnosis of BPG and bladder cancer.

Paraganglioma of the Urinary Bladder: A Case Report on a Rare and Unexpected Tumor Location

Paraganglioma of the urinary bladder is an exceptionally rare tumor. It originates from chromaffin cells, which are responsible for producing catecholamines. We report a unique case of a 74-year-old woman diagnosed with nonfunctional bladder paraganglioma, who presented with macroscopic hematuria and right-sided renal colic but lacked the usual symptoms associated with catecholamine excess. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of nonfunctional variants of paraganglioma due to their histological similarity to urothelial carcinomas. It underscores the importance of a thorough histological examination and the need for a multidisciplinary approach to establish a diagnosis and determine the optimal treatment strategy. Our case contributes to the sparse literature on this rare condition, and it aims to enhance clinicians' awareness and understanding of urinary bladder paragangliomas.

Silent pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma: Systematic review and proposed definitions for standardized terminology

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors with heterogeneous clinical presentations and potential lethal outcomes. The diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion, biochemical testing, imaging and histopathological confirmation. Increasingly widespread use of imaging studies and surveillance of patients at risk of PPGL due to a hereditary background or a previous tumor is leading to the diagnosis of these tumors at an early stage. This has resulted in an increasing use of the term "silent" PPGL. This term and other variants are now commonly found in the literature without any clear or unified definition. Among the various terms, "clinically silent" is often used to describe the lack of signs and symptoms associated with catecholamine excess. Confusion arises when these and other terms are used to define the tumors according to their ability to synthesize and/or release catecholamines in relation to biochemical test results. In such cases the term "silent" and other variants are often inappropriately and misleadingly used. In the present analysis we provide an overview of the literature and propose standardized terminology in an attempt at harmonization to facilitate scientific communication.

Paraganglioma of Urinary Bladder: An Uncommon Entity in Uropathology

Paraganglioma of the urinary bladder is a rare neoplasm. It may be functional, secreting catecholamines, or nonfunctional. Clinically and histopathologically, it has the potential to be misdiagnosed as a more common urothelial carcinoma, especially in nonfunctional cases. A high index of suspicion on the part of pathologist can help in identification of characteristic histopathologic feature which coupled with immunohistochemistry can help in establishing the correct diagnosis. We present a case of paraganglioma in a 78-year-old male patient presenting with haematuria. Clinical provisional diagnosis rendered based on cystoscopic findings and radiology was urothelial carcinoma; however, was confirmed to be a case of paraganglioma of bladder on histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation. A long follow-up is warranted. Herein, we also briefly review the relevant literature.

Non-functional paraganglioma of urinary bladder managed by transurethral resection

Purpose

As a rare bladder tumor, paraganglioma of the urinary bladder (PUB) is frequently misdiagnosed as bladder cancer, particularly for the non-functional type. To date, transurethral resection remains a controversial treatment for non-functional PUB. This study aimed to identify the clinical features, pathological characteristics, prognosis, and safe/effective treatment of non-functional PUB using transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT).

Materials and Methods

The clinical records, radiological data, pathological characteristics and follow-up times were retrospectively reviewed in 10 patients with clinically and pathologically proven non-functional PUB in our hospital from January 2008 to November 2016. All patients underwent TURBT treatment.

Results

The incidence of non-functional PUB in patients with bladder cancer was 0.17%. The mean age at diagnosis was 44.5 ± 13.6 years (range, 29-70 years), and the patient population had a female: male ratio of 3: 2. No patients had excess catecholamine (CA) whilst four patients had painless hematuria. All neoplasms were completely resected via TURBT. The majority of samples were positive for immunohistochemical markers including chromogranin A (CgA) and Synaptophysin (Syn), but were negative for cytokeratins (CKs). Only a single recurrence was observed from the mean follow-up period of 36.4 ± 24.8 months.

Conclusion

Complete TURBT is a safe and efficient treatment that serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Histopathological and immunohistochemistry examinations are mandatory for diagnostic confirmation. Long-term follow-up is recommended for patients with non-functional PUB.

A clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of non-urothelial bladder tumours

BACKGROUND

Non-urothelial bladder tumors (NUBTs) are uncommon accounting for approximately 10% of the total urinary bladder tumors while 90% are urothelial in origin. There are very limited comprehensive studies on NUBTs.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the study were to analyze the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of NUBTs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study of NUBTs diagnosed over a period of 9 years. Patients' files were retrieved from the archives. Gross and microscopic features were recorded. Simple percentage and frequencies were used to interpret the data.

RESULTS

A total 16 cases (10.8% of all bladder tumors) of NUBT were found. Patients' ages ranged from 19 to 87 years with a male: female ratio of 4.3:1. The most common presenting symptom was gross hematuria (81.2%), and the most common location was posterolateral bladder wall. Muscle invasion was seen in 81.2% of cases, and large areas of necrosis were observed in 62.5%. There were two cases of squamous cell carcinoma, five cases each of adenocarcinoma (four secondary and one urachal) and mesenchymal tumors (four malignant and one benign), two cases of amyloid, and one case each of plasmacytomas and paraganglioma. Large areas of necrosis and muscle invasion were noted in high-grade and advanced staged tumors. In all, 43.7% had poor survival.

CONCLUSION

NUBTs present with similar clinicoradiological findings; however, their histological features along with immunohistochemistry help in the definite diagnosis. One should be aware of these tumors as they frequently present diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Most of these neoplasms present at an advanced stage. Large or multicentric randomized controlled studies are needed to know the exact behavior and prognosis of these tumors.

Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Urinary Bladder According to the 2016 World Health Organization Classification: Molecular and Clinical Characteristics

Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the urinary bladder are a rare type of tumor that account for a small percentage of urinary bladder neoplasms. These tumors of the urinary bladder range from well-differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasms (carcinoids) to the more aggressive subtypes such as small cell carcinoma. Despite the rarity of the neuroendocrine tumors of the bladder, there has been substantial investigation into the underlying genomic, molecular, and the cellular alterations within this group of neoplasms. Accordingly, these findings are increasingly incorporated into the understanding of clinical aspects of these neoplasms. In this review, we provide an overview of recent literature related to the 2016 World Health Organization Classification of Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Urinary Bladder. Particular emphasis is placed on molecular alterations and recently described gene expression. The neuroendocrine tumors of the urinary bladder are subdivided into four subtypes. Similar to their pulmonary and other extrapulmonary site counterparts, these have different degrees of neuroendocrine differentiation and morphological features. The clinical aspects of four subtypes of neuroendocrine tumor are discussed with emphasis of the most recent developments in diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. An understanding of molecular basis of neuroendocrine tumors will provide a base of knowledge for future investigations into this group of unusual bladder neoplasms.

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.

Paraganglioma of the urinary bladder with chromosome duplications detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization in urine exfoliated cells: A case report

Paragangliomas of the urinary bladder are rare neoplasms derived from chromaffin tissue with a chromosomal imbalance. Their preoperative diagnosis and assessment of malignant potential remain significant challenges for urologists. The current report presents the case of a 34-year-old male who presented with a history of paroxysmal gross hematuria lasting for 7 months. Chromosome duplications were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in urine exfoliated cells, and the diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology following a transurethral resection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of urinary bladder paraganglioma in which chromosomal duplications were detected by FISH in urine exfoliated cells. This may be helpful to its differential diagnosis and malignant potential determination.

Episodic Hypertension With an Adrenal Mass: A Red Herring

A 66-year-old man with symptomatic hypertensive episodes was found to have a 9-mm adrenal mass and elevated metanephrine levels. He was scheduled for an adrenalectomy for suspected pheochromocytoma. Subsequent workup revealed a large bladder mass which was found to be a paraganglioma. There is no consensus on what should be considered the standard management of primary bladder paraganglioma, including surgical technique, assessment of malignancy, and appropriate follow-up, owing to the rarity of the diagnosis.