What does “Bibasilar atelectasis” mean on a radiology report?
Small areas at the bottom of both lungs are not fully inflated — usually because of shallow breathing, lying down, or recent surgery.
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General explanations of common wording, not advice about your own scan. Ask the doctor who ordered it what your results mean for you.
Why the radiologist wrote it that way
"Bibasilar" means at both bases, the lowest parts of the two lungs. "Atelectasis" means part of the lung is not fully expanded, so it holds less air and looks slightly whiter on the image. The bases are where this happens most, because they are the parts squeezed most by the diaphragm, the abdomen and gravity when someone breathes shallowly or lies flat. Radiologists record it because it is real, and because it explains a faint shadow that might otherwise be misread.
Is this good or bad news?
Mild bibasilar atelectasis is one of the most common things written on chest X-rays and CT scans, particularly in people who are in hospital, have had an operation, are in pain when they breathe in, or are carrying extra weight. It often clears on its own once breathing returns to normal, and deep breaths and moving about help it do so. It is often described as "linear" or "plate-like" atelectasis when it shows as thin streaks. It matters more when it is extensive, or when the radiologist cannot tell it apart from infection — in which case the report usually says so.
What it does not mean
- That a lung has collapsed. That is a pneumothorax, which is a different thing and would be stated plainly.
- That you have pneumonia. Atelectasis and infection can look similar, and if the radiologist thought infection was likely they would normally say so.
- That it is permanent. Minor atelectasis typically comes and goes with how deeply someone is breathing.
Where you will see it
Words in this phrase
- AtelectasisPartial collapse of the lung tissue, preventing normal air exchange.
- BilateralOn both sides of the body.
- OpacityAn area that blocks X-rays and appears white/bright on imaging. Indicates solid or fluid-filled tissue.
- LobeA rounded section of an organ. Lungs have lobes (right lung has 3, left has 2).
- PulmonaryRelated to the lungs.
One phrase is not the whole report
What this sentence means for you depends on everything else your report says. Radily reads the whole thing and explains it in plain English — and can talk you through it on video, so you are not reading medical language alone.
Other phrases on your report
- Clinical correlation is recommendedThe radiologist is saying: here is what the pictures show, and now the doctor who knows your symptoms needs to decide what it means for you.
- Incidental findingSomething the scan picked up that has nothing to do with the reason you were scanned.
- Consistent withThe appearance fits the named condition — usually one your doctor already suspected.
- Status postSimply means "after". You have had the procedure or operation named.
This explains how a phrase is commonly used in radiology reports. It is not a diagnosis, not a reading of your scan, and not medical advice. Only your doctor can tell you what your own report means.