Physically, Kerley B lines are typically and less than 1 mm thick. They are oriented perpendicularly to the pleural surface and extend out to meet the edge of the lung.
Kerley B lines are not a diagnosis but a visual clue on chest X-ray pointing to interstitial pathology—most commonly interstitial pulmonary edema due to congestive heart failure. Recognizing them allows clinicians to initiate appropriate diuretic and heart failure therapy promptly, potentially preventing progression to alveolar edema and respiratory failure.
While they are most famously associated with heart issues, several conditions can trigger them: 1. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)