Causes of hepatic capsular retraction: a pictorial essay.
Hepatic capsular retraction refers to the loss of the normal convex hepatic contour, with the formation of an area of flattening or concavity. This can result from myriad causes, including intrinsic hepatic conditions such as cirrhosis, biliary obstruction, benign tumours, malignancy and infections, as well as extrahepatic causes such as trauma. This article aims to provide familiarity with this wide spectrum of conditions, including mimics of hepatic capsular retraction, by highlighting the anatomic, pathologic and imaging features that help distinguish these entities from one another.


CONCLUSIONS
• Hepatic capsular retraction can occur due to various intrinsic or extrinsic hepatic causes. • Hepatic capsular retraction is observed in both benign and malignant conditions. • Recognising associated imaging features can help elicit causes of hepatic capsular retraction.
Department of Medical Imaging, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, 41, Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia. gary.tan@svha.org.au.
Gary Xia Vern
GX
Tan
Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
Rhian
R
Miranda
Department of Medical Imaging, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, 41, Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia.
Tom
T
Sutherland
Capsular retraction; Computed tomography; Liver; Liver abnormalities; Pseudo-retraction
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