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Kerley B lines

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Kerley B lines are linear opacities seen on the chest radiograph. They are 1-2 cm long horizontal lines which meet the pleura at right angles. They are typically seen as a ladder up the side of the lungs beginning at the costophrenic angle.

Kerley B lines represent interlobular lymphatics which have been distended by fluid or tissue.

Kerley B lines are usually an indication of raised pulmonary venous pressure due to:

  • left ventricular failure
  • mitral stenosis

Other causes include:

  • lymphangitis carcinomatosa
  • pulmonary fibrosis
  • parasitic infection

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