Tumor evanescente: un reto diagnóstico

The phantom (evanescent) tumour is an interlobar lung effusion, interpreted as a rare radiological sign in individuals with decompensated heart failure. Once the treatment is established, these lesions, which initially can be confused with infections or tumour lesions, disappear. This makes it essential to make an appropriate diagnosis that avoids carrying out invasive and non-invasive studies. The case is presented of a man with a history of congestive heart failure, who was admitted to the Emergency Department due to the exacerbation of respiratory symptoms, swelling in the legs, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea, orthopnoea, and clinical signs of heart failure. The chest x-ray showed cardiomegaly, right pleural peripheral thickening, and two mass-type images in the right middle and lower thirds, as well as interstitial opacity in the bases. Medical management for heart failure was established, and a chest x-ray was requested three days after the treatment, in which it was observed that the intra-pulmonary lesion had disappeared, confirming the diagnosis of a phantom tumour.