Which imaging finding supports pulmonary edema in pregnancy?

Which imaging finding supports pulmonary edema in pregnancy?

• A. Bilateral infiltrates on chest X-ray
• B. Unilateral pleural effusion
• C. Normal chest X-ray
• D. No radiographic changes

Answer: (A)

Pulmonary edema happens when fluid leaks into the lungs from high pressure in the heart and blood vessels, so the image shows fluid-filled spaces in both lungs. On chest X-ray this appears as bilateral infiltrates—diffuse, symmetric opacities that are often centered around the hila and may accompany mild cardiomegaly or vascular congestion. This bilateral pattern is a key clue that the process is systemic edema rather than a localized problem. In contrast, a unilateral pleural effusion would point to a localized issue rather than true edema, and a normal chest X-ray or no radiographic changes would not support edema.

Pulmonary edema happens when fluid leaks into the lungs from high pressure in the heart and blood vessels, so the image shows fluid-filled spaces in both lungs. On chest X-ray this appears as bilateral infiltrates—diffuse, symmetric opacities that are often centered around the hila and may accompany mild cardiomegaly or vascular congestion. This bilateral pattern is a key clue that the process is systemic edema rather than a localized problem. In contrast, a unilateral pleural effusion would point to a localized issue rather than true edema, and a normal chest X-ray or no radiographic changes would not support edema.