Kerley Lines: X Ray

| Feature | | Kerley B Lines | Kerley C Lines | |--------|-------------------|-------------------|-------------------| | Appearance | Long, thin, non-branching lines | Short, horizontal lines | Fine reticular (net-like) opacities | | Length | 2–6 cm | 1–2 cm | Variable | | Location | Central upper zones, radiating from hila | Peripheral lower zones, especially costophrenic angles | Lower zones (less specific) | | Orientation | Radiating toward hila | Perpendicular to pleural surface | No defined orientation | | Anatomical correlate | Thickened axial interstitium (large interlobular septa deep in lung) | Thickened peripheral interlobular septa at lung bases | Intersecting septal lines (rarely used clinically) | | Clinical note | Less common; may persist in chronic states | Most reliable sign of interstitial edema | Non-specific; often just represents early B lines | Classic Radiographic Description (Kerley B Lines) Appearance: Well-defined, fine, non-branching linear opacities, measuring 1–2 cm in length and <1 mm thick . They are oriented perpendicular to the pleura and typically seen in the lower zones , particularly at the lung bases and costophrenic angles .

Kerley lines are linear opacities seen on chest radiographs, representing a key radiographic sign of interstitial pulmonary edema . First described by British radiologist Peter Kerley in the 1950s, these lines reflect fluid accumulation within the pulmonary interstitium—the supportive tissue framework of the lungs. kerley lines x ray