Role of Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Paraganglioma of Urinary Bladder

  Objective  To explore the role of ultrasound in diagnosis of paraganglioma of urinary bladder(PUB).

  Methods  The clinical data and urinary bladder sonographic findings of 13 patients(8 females and 5 males, aged 14-76 years) with pathologically confirmed PUB in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from October 2002 to June 2013 were retrospectively analyzed.

  Results  Among these 13 patients, 9(69.2%) had headache, palpitation, sweating, and hypertension with micturition, 12(92.3%) had elevated urinary catecholamine, and 4(30.8%) experienced recurrence within 0.5 to 3 years. The diameters of 16 lesions(including 10 solitary lesions and 3 multiple lesions) found in these 13 patients were 1.2-7.5 cm. Nine lesions were morphologically regular and 7(43.8%) were irregular. The margins were well-defined in 9 lesions(56.3%), with continuous bladder mucosa found in 5 lesions(31.3%), and were poorly-defined in 7 lesions(43.8%). All the lesions were hypoechoic, and nest-like structure was seen inside one lesion(6.3%). Color Doppler imaging showed rich blood flow signals in 12 lesions(75%), spot-and strip-like blood flow signals in 2 lesions(12.5%), and no blood flow signal in 2 lesions(12.5%). Involvement of other organs was reported in 4 cases(30.8%).

  Conclusions  The sonographic findings of PUB are somehow unique. When combined with clinical features, it is helpful in the differentiation diagnosis, prediction of treatment outcome, and follow-up.