While most commonly associated with heart failure, these lines can also appear in other conditions that cause septal thickening: : Congestive heart failure, mitral stenosis. Oncology : Lymphangitis carcinomatosa or lymphoma.
Comprehensive Guide to Kerley B Lines on Chest X-Ray (CXR) are a crucial diagnostic finding on a chest radiograph , serving as a classic indicator of interstitial pulmonary edema . First described by Irish radiologist Sir Peter Kerley in 1933, these lines reveal underlying fluid accumulation, cellular infiltration, or fibrotic changes within the lung tissue. Recognizing Kerley B lines on a chest X-ray (CXR) allows clinicians to quickly identify severe conditions like congestive heart failure (CHF) and direct targeted medical intervention. Anatomy and Pathophysiology kerley b lines cxr
Kerley B lines are specific radiographic findings seen on a plain chest radiograph (CXR). They appear as short, horizontal, linear opacities typically located at the periphery of the lung bases. While most commonly associated with heart failure, these
Note: There are also Kerley A lines (longer lines deep in the lung parenchyma) and Kerley C lines (a network of fine lines), but Kerley B lines are the most frequently identified and clinically useful of the three. First described by Irish radiologist Sir Peter Kerley
| Finding | Distinguishing Feature | | :--- | :--- | | Kerley A lines | Longer (2–4 cm), centrally located, radiating from hila. Also seen in interstitial edema. | | Septal fibrosis | Persistent lines that do not resolve with diuresis; often associated with traction bronchiectasis. | | Prominent vessels | Thicker, branch in a tapering fashion, do not extend to pleural surface. |
Subscribe to receive new blog posts from Axonator in your RSS reader.
Subscribe to RSSAxonator is mobile-first digital platform for frontline teams.
View roles