Chest Imaging

Reticular opacity

term used to describe opacities on chest radiography, produced by interstitial lung disease, that present as a fine netting. Since this pattern is linear, the lines must be distinguished from the normal pattern of blood vessels. The most reliable sign for making this distinction is the observation of Kerley lines (Fig.1). Reticular opacities can be seen in pulmonary oedema, interstitial infections, lymphangitic carcinomatosis, pulmonary lymphoma, granulomatous diseases, collagen vascular diseases and inhalational diseases such as silicosis and coal workers pneumoconiosis.

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Fig.1

Lymphangitic spread of tumour in a patient with breast cancer. A bilateral reticular pattern is seen with obvious Kerley B lines.
Reticular opacity, Fig.1