Reticular Opacities
Look For
- Linear opacities on the chest x-ray.
Example
- Interstitial lung markings in a patient with interstitial lung disease
![Interstitial lung markings in a patient with interstitial lung disease]()
Causes of Reticular Change
- Interstitial oedema
- Interstitial pneumonia - viral pneumonitis, mycoplasma, pneumocystis
- Usual interstitial pneumonia - connective tissue disease, asbestosis
- Neoplasia - lymphangitis carcinomatosis, lymphoma
- Medications - bleomycin, methotrexate, amiodarone, nitrofurantoin
Kerley Lines
The interlobular septa are not normally seen on chest x-rays. Thickening of interlobular septa seen on chest x-ray is referred to as Kerley lines, of which there are three types.
Interpretation
- Kerley A lines - 5-10cm lines extending from the hila to the periphery (fluid in the deep septa)
- Kerley B lines - 1-2cm lines seen in the periphery of the lower lung extending into the pleura (interlobular septal thickening)
- Kerley C lines - small, fine lines not in keeping with A or B lines
Causes of Kerley Lines
- Pulmonary oedema
- Interstitial pneumonia - viral pneumonitis, mycoplasma, pneumocystis
- Neoplasia - lymphangitis carcinomatosis, lymphoma
- Sarcoidosis
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