Kerley
lines,
thin linear pulmonary opacities
caused by fluid or cellular infiltration into the interstitium of
the lungs. Kerley B lines are thickened interlobular septa visible
as 12 mm linear opacities about 3060 mm long in the subpleural
region. These are most readily identified at the costophrenic angles
on the PA radiograph and substernal region on lateral radiographs.
Kerley A lines are longer lines frequently coursing diagonally
toward the hila in the inner half of the lungs. These are caused by
distension of anastomotic channels between peripheral and central
lymphatics of the lungs. Kerley B lines are usually indicative of
interstitial pulmonary oedema and are observed much more frequently
than Kerley A lines. Progression to alveolar oedema may obscure
Kerley lines. Kerley lines can be caused by other processes such as
pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial deposition of heavy metal
particles, and malignant cells (lymphangitic metastasis). Chronic
Kerley B lines may be caused by fibrosis and haemosiderin deposition
caused by multiple previous episodes of pulmonary oedema.
|
Radiographic Appearance
|
|
Useful Link
|
|
 |
