Longer, unbranching linear opacities in the central and upper zones, radiating from the hila toward the periphery without reaching the pleura.
For clinicians and radiologists, recognizing Kerley A and B lines is critical. They often appear before the more dramatic signs of alveolar edema (like bat-wing opacities) and can point toward elevated left atrial pressure, even in a relatively stable patient. This post breaks down the anatomy, pathophysiology, radiographic appearance, and clinical significance of these two classic signs. kerley a and b lines
| Feature | Description | |--------|-------------| | | Predominantly basal, especially costophrenic angles | | Orientation | Perpendicular to the pleura | | Length | 1–2 cm | | Thickness | 1–2 mm | | Distribution | Often bilateral and symmetrical | | Key clue | Reach the pleural surface without intersecting | Longer, unbranching linear opacities in the central and