Congestive heart failure chest x ray

Congestive Heart Failure Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology Systolic Dysfunction Diastolic Dysfunction HFpEF HFrEF
Causes
Differentiating Congestive heart failure from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Clinical Assessment
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
Chest X Ray
Cardiac MRI
Echocardiography
Exercise Stress Test
Myocardial Viability Studies
Cardiac Catheterization
Other Imaging Studies
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Invasive Hemodynamic Monitoring
Medical Therapy:
Summary
Acute Pharmacotherapy
Chronic Pharmacotherapy in HFpEF
Chronic Pharmacotherapy in HFrEF Diuretics ACE Inhibitors Angiotensin receptor blockers Aldosterone Antagonists Beta Blockers Ca Channel Blockers Nitrates Hydralazine Positive Inotropics Anticoagulants Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor Antiarrhythmic Drugs Nutritional Supplements Hormonal Therapies Drugs to Avoid Drug Interactions Treatment of underlying causes Associated conditions
Exercise Training
Surgical Therapy: Biventricular Pacing or Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) Implantation of Intracardiac Defibrillator Ultrafiltration Cardiac Surgery Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) Cardiac Transplantation
ACC/AHA Guideline Recommendations Initial and Serial Evaluation of the HF Patient Hospitalized Patient Patients With a Prior MI Sudden Cardiac Death Prevention Surgical/Percutaneous/Transcather Interventional Treatments of HF Patients at high risk for developing heart failure (Stage A) Patients with cardiac structural abnormalities or remodeling who have not developed heart failure symptoms (Stage B) Patients with current or prior symptoms of heart failure (Stage C) Patients with refractory end-stage heart failure (Stage D) Coordinating Care for Patients With Chronic HF Quality Metrics/Performance Measures
Implementation of Practice Guidelines
Congestive heart failure end-of-life considerations
Specific Groups: Special Populations Patients who have concomitant disorders Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the Patient with CHF NSTEMI with Heart Failure and Cardiogenic Shock
Congestive heart failure chest x ray On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Congestive heart failure chest x ray
CDC on Congestive heart failure chest x ray
Congestive heart failure chest x ray in the news
Blogs on Congestive heart failure chest x ray
Directions to Hospitals Treating Congestive heart failure chest x ray
Risk calculators and risk factors for Congestive heart failure chest x ray

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

Overview

The chest x-ray in the patient with heart failure shows cardiomegaly (cardiac enlargement and pulmonary congestion (Kerley B lines, and in some cases pleural effusion)

Chest X-ray

• Since the LV often dilates in the anteroposterior direction, the cardiac silhouette may appear deceptively normal.

Chest x-ray findings include:

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

Cardiogenic 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) and interstitial edema.

Noncardiogenic Pulmonary Edema

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.

• 

  Plain film: Mitral stenosis, Kerley B lines

• 

  Plain film: Mitral stenosis, Kerley B lines

• 

  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.

Cephalization

Cephalization refers to the redistribution of blood into the upper lobe vessels. It has been hypothesized that once the hydrostatic pressure exceeds 10 mm Hg, then fluid begins to leak into the interstitium of the lung. This excess fluid initially compresses the lower lobe vessels, perhaps as a result of gravity. After this, the upper lobe vessels are recruited to distribute a greater volume of blood. In order to carry a greater volume of blood, the upper lobe vessels increase in size.