In a healthy lung, the interlobular septa—the thin connective tissue planes that separate the lung's secondary lobules—are too thin to be seen on a standard X-ray. When fluid, cells, or fibrous tissue accumulate in these spaces, the septa thicken and become visible as distinct opacities.
The presence of Kerley B lines indicates . This occurs when the connective tissue septa between lung lobules become prominent due to fluid or cellular infiltration. Kerley Lines - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
The presence of Kerley B lines is not a diagnosis in itself but a sign of underlying pathology. The causes are generally categorized by the mechanism of septal thickening. kerley b lines
To understand Kerley B lines, one must understand the anatomy of the secondary pulmonary lobule.
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The identification of Kerley B lines requires a systematic approach to viewing the chest radiograph.
📍 Short, horizontal lines seen at the lung periphery (usually in the costophrenic angles). They are typically <2 cm long and extend to the pleural surface. In a healthy lung, the interlobular septa—the thin
The primary diagnostic challenge is distinguishing the cause of the Kerley B lines once they are spotted.