Kerley lines
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2008-06-23T18:04:54Z
Arcadian
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'''Kerley lines''' are a [[sign (medicine)|sign]] seen on [[chest x-ray]]s with interstitial [[pulmonary edema]]. They are thin linear pulmonary opacities caused by fluid or cellular infiltration into the interstitium of the lungs.
==Associated conditions==
They are suggestive for the diagnosis of [[congestive heart failure]], but are also seen in various non-cardiac conditions such as [[pulmonary fibrosis]], interstitial deposition of [[heavy metal]] particles or [[carcinomatosis]] of the lung.
Chronic Kerley B lines may be caused by fibrosis or [[hemosiderin]] deposition caused by recurrent [[pulmonary oedema]].
==Types==
'''Kerley A lines''' are longer (at least 2cm) unbranching lines coursing diagonally from the periphery toward the [[hila]] in the inner half of the lungs. They are caused by distension of anastomotic channels between peripheral and central lymphatics of the lungs. Kerley A lines are less commonly seen than Kerley B lines. Kerley A lines are never seen without Kerley B or C lines also present.
'''Kerley B lines''' are short parallel lines at the lung periphery. These lines represent interlobular septa, which are usually less than 1 cm in length and parallel to one another at right angles to the [[pleura]]. They are located peripherally in contact with the pleura, but are generally absent along fissural surfaces. They may be seen in any zone but are most frequently observed at the lung bases at the [[costophrenic angles]] on the PA radiograph, and in the substernal region on lateral radiographs.
'''Kerley C lines''' are the least commonly seen of the Kerley lines. They are short, fine lines throughout the lungs, with a reticular appearance. They may represent thickening of anastomotic lymphatics or superimposition of many Kerley B lines.
==See also==
*[[Peter Kerley]]
*[[Flash pulmonary edema]]
==External links==
*[http://www.gpnotebook.co.uk/simplepage.cfm?ID=-1556807671 Kerley B lines] - GPnotebook.
*[http://www.hcoa.org/hcoacme/chf-cme/chf00026.htm An example of Kerley B] - hcoa.org.
*[http://info.med.yale.edu/intmed/cardio/imaging/findings/kerley_lines/index.html Cardiothoracic imaging - Kerley's lines] - Yale University.
*[http://www.medstudents.com.br/terin/terin7.htm Causes of pulmonary edema] - medstudents.com.br
{{med-sign-stub}}
{{Eponymous medical signs for circulatory and respiratory systems}}
[[Category:Radiologic signs]]
[[Category:Radiology]]
[[pl:Linia Kerleya B]]