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Can A Chest X-ray Detect Pulmonary Edema?

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Posted on Mon, 16 Nov 2015
Question: Is it possible to detect pulmonary odema
in an x-Ray?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (45 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes it is possible to detect Pulmonary edema on x ray.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Actually Pulmonary edema has various stages according to severity.
And x ray pictures are different with each stage.
In stage 1 chest x ray is either normal or only prominent bronchovascular markings (BVM) are seen.
In stage 2,along with stage 1 findings, there is bilateral hilar prominence.
In stage 3,along with stage 2 findings, there is bats wing appearance and cardiomegaly.
In stage 4, along with stage 3 findings, there is fissural effusion and bilateral pleural effusion.
So it is very easy to detect Pulmonary edema in stage 3 or stage 4.
But it is very difficult to say Pulmonary edema in stage 1 and stage 2.
So x ray is not always diagnostic in Pulmonary edema.
But you can put differential diagnosis on the basis of chest x ray findings.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Drkaushal85

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 15003 Questions

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Can A Chest X-ray Detect Pulmonary Edema?

Brief Answer: Yes it is possible to detect Pulmonary edema on x ray. Detailed Answer: Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Actually Pulmonary edema has various stages according to severity. And x ray pictures are different with each stage. In stage 1 chest x ray is either normal or only prominent bronchovascular markings (BVM) are seen. In stage 2,along with stage 1 findings, there is bilateral hilar prominence. In stage 3,along with stage 2 findings, there is bats wing appearance and cardiomegaly. In stage 4, along with stage 3 findings, there is fissural effusion and bilateral pleural effusion. So it is very easy to detect Pulmonary edema in stage 3 or stage 4. But it is very difficult to say Pulmonary edema in stage 1 and stage 2. So x ray is not always diagnostic in Pulmonary edema. But you can put differential diagnosis on the basis of chest x ray findings. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.