A case of mistaken identity

Abstract

Images that demonstrate large and obvious abnormalities sometimes distract the provider from the careful review necessary to make the correct diagnosis. In situations in which the differential diagnosis has a leading diagnosis that is correct almost all time, it is easy to be misled by more obvious possibilities, failing to spend enough time to see the important details, and pursuing therapy that might not result in a good patient outcome. The purpose of this case report is to help readers from making analogous errors in future cases similar to this one.

Key words: pleural effusion, endobronchial obstruction, lung cancer, complications, chest tube