Lumbalgia aguda con imagen «en suelta de globos» en la radiografía simple de tórax

The “detachable balloons” image in simple chest-X-ray is not very common in Priamry Care. We present the case of patient who consulted for uncomplicated low back pain. The spine X-ray was suggestive of arthrosis. A blood analysis was requested within the Preventive Activities Programme, which showed moderate anaemia. The patient was referred to the Hospital where a probable renal cell carcinoma was detected in the thoraco-abdominal Computed Axial Tomography. Finally, the initial symptom (low back pain) was due to bone metastasis, but further information was required to continue with the diagnostic process. The anaemia and the “detachable balloons” image were key factors in the final diagnosis.