lungränder

Lungränder, also known as pleural lines or pleural margins, refers to the visible interface between the lung and the thoracic wall on medical imaging, most commonly on chest X-rays. These lines are formed by the visceral pleura, which covers the surface of the lungs, and the parietal pleura, which lines the inner surface of the chest wall. In a healthy individual, these pleural layers are in close apposition, separated only by a thin layer of pleural fluid, and are therefore not distinctly visible as separate lines on standard imaging.

The appearance of lungränder can change significantly in various pathological conditions. An increase in the thickness or visibility of the lungränder can indicate the presence of pleural effusion, which is the accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural space. This fluid can separate the visceral and parietal pleura, making the boundary more pronounced. Conditions leading to pleural effusion include infections, heart failure, malignancy, and inflammatory processes.

Conversely, thickening or irregularity of the lungränder can also be a sign of pleural disease such as pleural plaques, which are benign fibrous thickenings often associated with asbestos exposure. More serious conditions like pleural tumors or inflammation of the pleura (pleuritis) can also alter the appearance of these margins. Radiologists carefully examine the lungränder to detect subtle changes that may be indicative of underlying lung or pleural pathology, contributing significantly to the diagnosis and management of respiratory conditions.