A Phantom Opacity on Chest Radiograph

The authors present a case of phantom tumour of the lung. This is a type of pleural effusion where fluids accumulate in the interlobar fissures, typically in the transverse fissure. Its prompt recognition avoids additional, unnecessary or expensive examination and treatment mistakes.

Phantom tumour of the lung should be considered as a differential diagnosis for a radiographic opacity because it can be misdiagnosed as a lung mass or consolidation.Its rapid disappearance after management of the underlying condition, in this case of cardiac decompensation with diuretics, confirms the diagnosis.Prompt recognition avoids additional, unnecessary or expensive examination and treatment mistakes.