Reversed batwing sign

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The reversed batwing sign is a radiologic sign describing a pattern of lung opacities in which abnormalities are predominantly peripheral, with relative sparing of the perihilar (central) regions. This distribution is the inverse of the classic batwing or butterfly pattern seen in typical cardiogenic pulmonary edema. [1] [2]

The sign is most commonly identified on chest radiography and computed tomography (CT) and is descriptive rather than diagnostic.

Clinical associations

Reversed batwing sign is commonly associated with chronic eosinophilic pneumonia and organizing pneumonia. Rare causes include alveolar sarcoidosis, lung contusions and lung infarcts. [3]

References

  1. S, Naseer; S, Chauhan (2013). "Inverse Bat Wing" (PDF). European Journal of General Medicine. 10 (2): 128–130. Retrieved 3 January 2026.
  2. Chang, Chih-Jung; Pan, Sheng-Wei; Chen, Yuh-Min (20 October 2021). "Chest Film Demonstrating Reverse Batwing Pulmonary Opacities in a Patient with COVID-19 Pneumonia". Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases. 85 (1): 96–97. doi:10.4046/trd.2021.0148 . Retrieved 3 January 2026.
  3. Dalpiaz, Giorgia; Cancellieri, Alessandra (2017). "Case-Based Glossary with Tips and Tricks". Atlas of Diffuse Lung Diseases: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Springer International Publishing: 251–289. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-42752-2_15 . Retrieved 3 January 2026.