Chest

Reticular Pattern

The reticular appearance refers to a collection of innumerable small linear opacities that together produce an appearance resembling a “net”. The pattern can be fine, medium or coarse. Fine and medium patterns are shown here. Reticular patterns represent interstitial lung disease.
End stage interstitial lung disease can result in the so-called “honeycomb” appearance. The honeycomb appearance is due to shadows of air space 5-10 mm in diameter and 2-3 mm in wall thickness.

Reticular Pattern

Kerley B Lines

Kerley B lines represent thickened connective tissue planes, for example due to edema of the septal lines of secondary lobules. They are most commonly due to pulmonary edema or lymphangitic carcinomatosis. Kerley B lines are horizontal, <2 cm long and 1 mm thick, at periphery of lung and reaching the lung edge.

Kerley B Lines

Right Ventricular Hypertrophy

Right ventricular hypertrophy is suggested by elevation of the cardiac apex from the diaphragm on this PA projection of a patient with rheumatic heart disease. The lateral view supports the diagnosis by demonstrating loss of the retrosternal airspace and increased contact of the right ventricle against the sternum. Also noted in this patient are mitral valve calcification, evidence of left atrial and pulmonary artery enlargement, and evidence of chronic congestive heart failure.

Right Ventricular Hypertrophy