Kerley B Lines Jun 2026
In conditions like Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) , fluid leaks into the interstitium when pulmonary capillary wedge pressure exceeds 20–25 mmHg.
| Feature | Kerley B Lines | Kerley A Lines | Septal Lines (Fibrosis) | Blood Vessels | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Length | 1-2 cm | 2-6 cm | Variable, often longer | Variable | | Direction | Horizontal, peripheral | Radiating from hilum | Irregular | Branching, tapering | | Location | Bases, pleura | Upper/mid lungs | Diffuse | Central to peripheral | | Significance | Interstitial edema | Deeper septal edema | Chronic scarring | Normal anatomy | kerley b lines
As the interlobular septa thicken, they become dense enough to absorb X-rays, appearing as white lines on a dark lung background—hence, Kerley B lines. In conditions like Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) ,
However, for rapid bedside diagnosis in suspected pulmonary edema, the chest X-ray remains the first-line tool, and Kerley B lines are a key diagnostic target. While the term may sound esoteric, understanding Kerley
While the term may sound esoteric, understanding Kerley B lines is crucial for diagnosing life-threatening conditions such as congestive heart failure (CHF), fluid overload, or even certain lung diseases. Named after the Irish neurologist and radiologist Dr. Peter Kerley, who first described them in the 1930s, these lines remain a cornerstone of thoracic radiology in the 21st century.
In conditions like Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) , fluid leaks into the interstitium when pulmonary capillary wedge pressure exceeds 20–25 mmHg.
| Feature | Kerley B Lines | Kerley A Lines | Septal Lines (Fibrosis) | Blood Vessels | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Length | 1-2 cm | 2-6 cm | Variable, often longer | Variable | | Direction | Horizontal, peripheral | Radiating from hilum | Irregular | Branching, tapering | | Location | Bases, pleura | Upper/mid lungs | Diffuse | Central to peripheral | | Significance | Interstitial edema | Deeper septal edema | Chronic scarring | Normal anatomy |
As the interlobular septa thicken, they become dense enough to absorb X-rays, appearing as white lines on a dark lung background—hence, Kerley B lines.
However, for rapid bedside diagnosis in suspected pulmonary edema, the chest X-ray remains the first-line tool, and Kerley B lines are a key diagnostic target.
While the term may sound esoteric, understanding Kerley B lines is crucial for diagnosing life-threatening conditions such as congestive heart failure (CHF), fluid overload, or even certain lung diseases. Named after the Irish neurologist and radiologist Dr. Peter Kerley, who first described them in the 1930s, these lines remain a cornerstone of thoracic radiology in the 21st century.
