CXR In Heart Failure

Question 1

What would you see in stage 1 congestive heart failure on CXR?

Answer 1

• redistribution of pulmonary vessels
• cardiomegaly

Question 2

What would you see in stage 2 congestive heart failure on CXR?

Answer 2

• interstitial oedema
• Kerley B lines
• peribronchial cuffing/hazy contours of vessels (haziness/increased density around bronchi)

Question 3

What would you see in stage 3 congestive heart failure on CXR?

Answer 3

• alveolar oedema
• consolidation
• air bronchogram
• cotton wool appearance
• pleural effusions

Question 4

What is usually the first sign of heart failure on CXR?

Answer 4

Cardiomegaly (>50% diameter of thorax)