Kerley B Lines //top\\ Jun 2026

While the term may sound esoteric, understanding Kerley B lines is crucial for diagnosing life-threatening conditions such as congestive heart failure (CHF), fluid overload, or even certain lung diseases. Named after the Irish neurologist and radiologist Dr. Peter Kerley, who first described them in the 1930s, these lines remain a cornerstone of thoracic radiology in the 21st century.

Septal lines in lung | Radiology Reference Article - Radiopaedia kerley b lines

A patient with septic shock receives 6 liters of IV fluids. Next morning, the nurse notes new hypoxemia. Portable chest X-ray shows new bilateral Kerley B lines. Diagnosis: Fluid overload. Intervention: Diuretics and fluid restriction. While the term may sound esoteric, understanding Kerley

However, for rapid bedside diagnosis in suspected pulmonary edema, the chest X-ray remains the first-line tool, and Kerley B lines are a key diagnostic target. Septal lines in lung | Radiology Reference Article

Short, thin, horizontal linear opacities seen most commonly in the lung periphery (costophrenic angles). They are 1–2 cm long, <1 mm thick, and extend to the pleural surface.