Chest imaging: Kerley lines: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Radiology · Chest imaging: Kerley lines

Sample item

Short horizontal lines 1 to 2 cm long that reach the pleura at the lung bases are seen on a chest radiograph of a patient in left heart failure. What are these?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Kerley B lines from interlobular septal oedema

Kerley B lines are thin, short peripheral horizontal lines caused by thickened interlobular septa, representing interstitial pulmonary oedema. Kerley A lines are longer and run toward the hila in the upper zones. They are also seen in lymphangitis carcinomatosa and mitral stenosis.

Option by option

  • A. Kerley A lines from lymphatic dilation of deep septa

    Kerley A lines are longer (2 to 6 cm), radiating toward the hila.

  • B. Pleural plaques

    Pleural plaques are calcified or non-calcified pleural thickening and not short lines.

  • C. Kerley B lines from interlobular septal oedema (correct)

    Correct. Kerley B lines reflect septal oedema in the periphery.

  • D. Bullae

    Bullae are thin-walled air spaces.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is C, Kerley B lines from interlobular septal oedema. Kerley B lines are thin, short peripheral horizontal lines caused by thickened interlobular septa, representing interstitial pulmonary oedema.

Why is "Kerley A lines from lymphatic dilation of deep septa" not the answer?

Kerley A lines are longer (2 to 6 cm), radiating toward the hila.

Why is "Pleural plaques" not the answer?

Pleural plaques are calcified or non-calcified pleural thickening and not short lines.

Why is "Bullae" not the answer?

Bullae are thin-walled air spaces.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Chest imaging: Kerley lines in Radiology. Kerley A lines are longer and run toward the hila in the upper zones. They are also seen in lymphangitis carcinomatosa and mitral stenosis.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Chest imaging: Kerley lines?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.