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. 2011 Jul 28:185–296. doi: 10.1016/B978-1-4160-6113-7.10005-5

TABLE 5-6.

Chest X-ray Findings of Pulmonary Edema

Finding Description
Cephalization Pulmonary vascular markings are redistributed to upper lung zones on an upright x-ray.
Cardiomegaly The ratio of the heart to the greatest transverse rib cage has a diameter >0.5.
Pericardial effusion This may simulate cardiomegaly, but a water-bottle appearance is classically present.
Interstitial edema Fluid appears in interstitial regions of the lung.
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    Peribronchial cuffing

 Thickening of the walls of bronchioles is seen when viewed end-on, perpendicular to the chest x-ray plane.
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    Kerley B lines

 Parallel fine lines extend from the pleural surface into the subpleural lung, especially in lung bases, thought to result from thickened interlobular septa.
Alveolar fluid with or without air bronchograms Air bronchograms prove the presence of alveolar fluid. Their absence does not disprove the presence of alveolar fluid. Air bronchograms do not result from pleural effusion alone.
Pleural effusion, including fluid within lung fissures Right-sided pleural fluid is more common than left when a unilateral effusion occurs from heart failure.