Hepatic capsular retraction: An updated MR imaging review

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Hepatology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Hepatic capsular retraction is a morphologic sign indicating invagination of the liver capsule.
• Historically associated with a limited range of liver lesions, its differential diagnosis has broadened.
• Advancements in imaging and liver-directed treatments have increased the recognition and relevance of this finding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review common and uncommon causes of hepatic capsular retraction.
• To highlight the role of body MRI in detecting and characterizing capsular retraction.
• To provide an updated differential diagnosis for hepatic capsular retraction.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on hepatic capsular retraction.
• Emphasis on imaging findings, particularly from body MRI.
• Synthesis of information on etiologies and diagnostic implications.

Main Results:

• Hepatic capsular retraction is an uncommon but valuable imaging descriptor.
• Modern imaging techniques enhance the detection and characterization of capsular retraction.
• The differential diagnosis for capsular retraction now includes a wider array of benign, malignant, and treatment-related entities.

Conclusions:

• Hepatic capsular retraction, when correlated with clinical context and other imaging features, refines the diagnosis of liver lesions.
• Body MRI plays a crucial role in evaluating hepatic capsular retraction.
• An updated understanding of hepatic capsular retraction is essential given evolving diagnostic and therapeutic landscapes.