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Cardiac failure with Kerley B lines

Case contributed by Lee-Anne Slater
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Acute short of breath

Patient Data

Age: 90 years
Gender: Female

Chest x-ray on presentation

x-ray

The heart is enlarged and permanent pacemaker (PPM) is in situ. The interstitial marking of the lungs are increased with numerous peripheral horizontal lines abutting the lateral pleura.

Repeat chest x-ray

x-ray

Subsequent film obtained one week later following treatment for cardiac failure, demonstrates resolution of the abnormality. 

Case Discussion

This case demonstrates extensive kerley B lines which subequently resolved following treatment for cardiac failure. Unfortunately many patients who are in cardiac failure do not demonstrate this many Kerley B lines, making diagnosis a little harder. 

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