Phantom Lung Tumor

Abstract

An accumulation of fluid located in the interlobar pleural space, visible on thorax radiography, and secondary to heart failure is called a phantom tumor. It disappears with treatment.

As it is an uncommon radiological manifestation of heart failure, it is rarely observable in clinical practice. Its importance lies in the need to make a differential diagnosis with other causes of pulmonary masses or nodules to avoid additional studies that may increase morbidity and mortality of the patient through invasive studies debilitating his/her health. The treatment for the underlying disease and the use of diuretics allow the disappearance of the image.

If there is a high clinical suspicion of this entity, its diagnosis and treatment can be addressed fully in the primary care level. We present a demonstrative case of this uncommon presentation that was consulted at two different institutions in which heart failure was not considered in the initial approach for differential diagnosis, despite having symptoms and signs consistent with it.