They are typically 1–2 cm long and less than 1 mm thick.
| Condition | Common Setting | Additional X-ray Signs | |-----------|----------------|------------------------| | | Heart failure, fluid overload | Cardiomegaly, pleural effusions, perihilar haze, cephalization | | Lymphangitic carcinomatosis | Known cancer (lung, breast, stomach) | Unilateral or asymmetric distribution, hilar adenopathy | | Pneumocystis pneumonia | HIV/AIDS, immunocompromised | Bilateral perihilar or diffuse ground-glass, cysts (later) | | Viral pneumonia | Acute febrile illness | Reticular opacities, normal heart size | kerley b lines on x ray
The interlobular septa contain lymphatic channels and connective tissue. When fluid, cells, or fibrosis accumulate in these septa, they become visible on X-ray. They are typically 1–2 cm long and less than 1 mm thick
Some common causes of Kerley B lines include: fluid overload | Cardiomegaly