**Core Concept**
Chronic heart failure (CHF) commonly presents with characteristic radiographic findings due to pulmonary congestion and cardiac enlargement. These include pleural effusions, pulmonary interstitial edema, and cardiomegaly, all reflecting impaired cardiac function and fluid overload.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Kerley B lines represent interstitial edema due to venous congestion and are a hallmark of CHF. Kerley A lines, though less specific, are also seen in chronic congestion. Cardiomegaly is a direct radiographic sign of an enlarged heart due to chronic volume or pressure overload. Oligemia, however, refers to reduced perfusion of the pulmonary vessels and is not a typical radiographic feature of CHF. In fact, CHF is associated with increased perfusion in the pulmonary circulation due to congestion, not decreased perfusion.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
Option A: Kerley B lines are a classic radiographic sign of pulmonary congestion in CHF and are consistently observed.
Option B: Kerley A lines, though less specific, are often present in CHF and reflect early pulmonary venous congestion.
Option C: Cardiomegaly is a well-established radiographic finding in CHF due to cardiac enlargement.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember: CHF radiographs show **Kerley B lines**, **cardiomegaly**, and **pulmonary congestion**βbut **not oligemia**. Oligemia is more associated with conditions like pulmonary embolism or severe sepsis, not chronic heart failure.
β Correct Answer: D. Oligemia
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
Access thousands of free MCQs, ebooks and daily exams.
By signing in you agree to our Privacy Policy.