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.