Simultaneous metastases of clear cell renal cell carcinoma to the urinary bladder and left retroperitoneal space: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

The present study describes an extremely rare case of simultaneous metastases of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) to the urinary bladder and left retroperitoneal space, occurring subsequent to an open radical nephrectomy. A review of the literature is also considered. A 70-year-old man presenting with diabetes mellitus and hypertension was referred to West China Hospital (Chengdu, China) with constant left flank pain that had been apparent for 2 months. Ultrasonography identified a heterogeneous tumor with a solid component measuring 4.4x3.4x5.0 cm, and computed tomography (CT) revealed a circumscribed and contrast-enhanced tumor in the left kidney. Subsequent pathological analysis of the specimen, obtained from an open radical nephrectomy, confirmed the presence of ccRCC. At 1 month after the radical nephrectomy, an abdominopelvic CT scan identified tumors located on the posterior bladder wall and also in the left retroperitoneal space, forming due to hematuria and acute urinary clot retention. There was no evidence of metastasis to the lungs, bones or other organs. A transurethral resection of the bladder tumor was performed and pathological analysis of the bladder specimen demonstrated metastatic ccRCC. Extensive hydrothorax and general anasarca presented half a month after the transurethral resection, with the patient subsequently succumbing 15 days later.