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 increased fluid in the alveolar walls, the presence of Kerley B lines, increased vascular markings, pleural effusions.
Cardiogenic Versus Noncardiogenic Pulmonary Edema
Cardiogenic pulmonary edema can be distinguished from noncardiogenic pulmonary edema by redistribution of flow to the upper lobes (increased blood flow to the higher parts of the lung) in the setting of cardiogenic pulmonary edema. In contrast, patchy alveolar infiltrates with air bronchograms are more indicative of noncardiogenic edema.
Peribronchial Cuffing
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.