The authors deal with a rare picture of bronchogenic cancer of central type, which perforated the main bronchus. The perforation of the main bronchus did not cause a complete pneumothorax, but a limited pneumothorax cavity in the lung hilus developed. The condition resulted in atelectasis of the complete lower lobe and hypoventilation of the upper lobe. The accompanying fluidothorax was caused by invasion of the tumor into mediastinum, possibly in combination with affiliated diseases (renal insufficiency and cardiac failure). The authors analyze complications and erroneous interpretations of findings obtained by different methods of visualization.

        Key words: bronchogenic cancer – perforation of bronchus