Tumor-like pulmonary manifestations of congestive heart failure.

Two cases of "phantom tumors" of the right lung on elderly subjects with congestive heart failure are described. One presented a picture of patchy bronchopneumonia, whereas the second had been diagnosed as a lung carcinoma 1 month before hospitalization because of a round lesion. In both cases the radiological picture cleared up within a few days following rest, diuresis and digitalization. The possibility of congestive heart failure as a cause for development of circumscribed pulmonary opacities should always be kept in mind.