Critical Care A Day
Wednesday December 7, 2022
Wednesday December 7, 2022
Q: What are Fleischner lines?
Answer: Long linear bands of atelectasis in a hypoxic patient are called Fleischner lines. These are highly suspicious of unilateral or bilateral pulmonary Embolism (PE), particularly if CXR is otherwise clear. These were first described about 50 years ago when CT angiographies to confirm PE were not available.
Unilateral or bilateral pleural effusions may also be present.
Answer: Long linear bands of atelectasis in a hypoxic patient are called Fleischner lines. These are highly suspicious of unilateral or bilateral pulmonary Embolism (PE), particularly if CXR is otherwise clear. These were first described about 50 years ago when CT angiographies to confirm PE were not available.
Unilateral or bilateral pleural effusions may also be present.
Reference:
Baron MG. Fleischner lines and pulmonary emboli. Circulation. 1972 Jan;45(1):171-8. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.45.1.171. PMID: 5007031.
Baron MG. Fleischner lines and pulmonary emboli. Circulation. 1972 Jan;45(1):171-8. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.45.1.171. PMID: 5007031.