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Acute pulmonary edema

Case contributed by Craig Hacking
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Sudden progressive difficulty in ventilation.

Patient Data

Age: Young adult
Gender: Male
x-ray

Support lines and tubes are well positioned.

Diffuse perihilar air space opacification (bat wing edema) and septal lines (Kerley A, B and C lines) indicate acute pulmonary edema.

Case Discussion

Classic example of the lines (A to C) Kerley described in pulmonary edema. Kerley D lines are diagnosed on a lateral radiograph. All of these lines are now termed septal lines.

Not a bad example of bat wing edema either!

Case courtesy of Dr Nivene Saad.

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