KERLEY Meaning and
Definition
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Kerley is a term commonly used in the medical field that refers to a specific radiographic sign observed on chest X-rays. It is named after Peter James Kerley, an Irish radiologist who first described these findings in the 1930s.
In a chest X-ray, kerley lines, also known as Kerley B lines, appear as thin, horizontal lines that extend outward from the hila of the lungs towards the periphery. These lines are caused by the accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces, which are the small spaces between the lung tissues. Kerley lines are typically an indication of fluid congestion in the lungs, primarily resulting from conditions like heart failure or pulmonary edema.
These lines are often seen as a sign of serious underlying pathology and can be associated with a range of respiratory conditions including pneumonia, interstitial lung disease, and bronchogenic carcinoma. Kerley lines are usually more pronounced at the lung bases and may be accompanied by other radiographic findings such as pleural effusions and cardiomegaly.
Diagnosing kerley lines typically involves interpreting chest X-rays by trained healthcare professionals, including radiologists and pulmonologists. While these lines are not diagnostic of a specific disease, their presence can provide important clues to guide further investigation and treatment.
Similar spelling words for KERLEY
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