Pulmonary edema chest x ray

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

The chest x-ray is the diagnostic modality of choice in the evaluation of the patient with suspected pulmonary edema. Chest x-ray findings include:

1. Kerley B lines or thickening of the interlobular septa
2. Peribronchial cuffing
3. Thickening of the fissures
4. Increased vascular markings
5. Pleural effusions.

Cardiogenic Versus Noncardiogenic Pulmonary Edema

Cardiogenic pulmonary edema can be distinguished from noncardiogenic pulmonary edema by the presence of redistribution of blood flow to the upper lobes (increased blood flow to the higher parts of the lung). In contrast, patchy alveolar infiltrates with air bronchograms are more indicative of noncardiogenic edema.

Correlation of Chest X-Ray Findings with Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure

• Normal:5-10 mm Hg
• Cephalization: 10-15 mm Hg
• Kerley B Lines: 15-20 mm Hg
• Pulmonary Interstitial Edema: 20-25 mm Hg
• Pulmonary Alveolar Edema: > 25 mm Hg

Kerley B Lines

Kerley B lines are short parallel lines at the lung periphery. These lines represent distended 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.

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  Plain film: Mitral stenosis, Kerley B lines

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  Plain film: Mitral stenosis, Kerley B lines

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  Plain film: Mitral stenosis, Kerley B lines

Peribronchial Cuffing

The red arrows point to thickened bronchial walls that have a doughnut-like appearance.

Peribronchial cuffing is an abnormality on a chest x-ray whereby the usually thin bronchial walls are thickened and take on a doughnut-like appearance.