What does the presence of prominent broncho-vascular markings in both lung fields indicate?

Question

Hi doctor,

My mom is 73 years old and will be undergoing gallbladder removal surgery due to stones. She was asked to take a chest X-ray, and one of the findings stated.

What do prominent broncho vascular markings noted in bilateral lung fields mean?

She is an active, healthy person. No cough, cold, asthma, or lung chest issues. The rest of the X-ray was clear. All her other blood tests, ECG, 2D echo are regular. She does take BP and diabetes medications for her age, and her Hb1ac is 6.2. Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern. According to your statement, your mom has been suffering from gallbladder stones, and her recent chest X-ray revealed prominent bronchovascular markings in both lung fields.

Bronchovascular markings noted in both lung fields indicate increased blood flow to the lungs that can happen in an average person and some disease conditions like pneumonia, allergic pneumonitis, viral infection, and bronchitis.

As your mother has no respiratory problems, I think there is nothing to worry about. She can undergo pulmonary function tests. If her pulmonary function test becomes normal, she can undergo surgery as her glycemic control is good, and she has reasonable blood pressure control during her surgery time.

Take care. I hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can help you further.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have already mentioned that there is nothing to be worried about. As she has good glycemic control and her blood pressure will become well controlled, then she can undergo surgery.

Lung function tests include a variety of examinations that will determine how well the lungs perform. This investigation measures the amount of air can hold and how forcefully someone can empty air from the lungs.

No further chest X-ray is necessary as your mom has no clinical features of lung disease. If you further investigate, the pulmonary function test will be the gold standard as it will show how your mom's lungs work.

Take care. I hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Do not worry; your mom has no clinical features related to any lung disease.

Thank you.