Hepatic capsular and subcapsular pathologic conditions: demonstration with CT and MR imaging

Migrating pseudolipoma of Glisson's capsule: A case report

Pseudolipoma of Glisson's capsule is a rare, benign subcapsular liver lesion that typically occurs in older adult men. It comprises degenerated fat tissue that likely originates from detached mesothelial appendages or degenerated liver lipomas. We report the case of a 58-year-old female patient with a gastric malignant tumor after admission. No lesions were found in the liver capsule before surgery. During postoperative reviews from 2015 to 2018, new dense, fatty lesions were found under the liver capsule, and highly unusually, the lesions moved under the liver capsule over time. To the best of our knowledge, only 1 other case has been reported of a pseudolipoma of Glisson's capsule that migrated over time. This supports the hypothesis that migrating mesothelial attachments form Glisson capsule pseudolipomas. This case report aims to review liver capsule anatomy, explain why the liver is particularly susceptible to this phenomenon, and present information to aid the diagnosis of fat-containing hepatic lesions by providing a unique perspective on certain pathologies affecting the liver.

Glisson's capsule matrix structure and function is altered in patients with cirrhosis irrespective of aetiology

Background & Aims

Glisson's capsule is the interstitial connective tissue that surrounds the liver. As part of its normal physiology, it withstands significant daily changes in liver size. The pathophysiology of the capsule in disease is not well understood. The aim of this study was to characterise the changes in capsule matrix, cellular composition, and mechanical properties that occur in liver disease and to determine whether these correlate with disease severity or aetiology.

Methods

Samples from ten control patients, and six with steatosis, seven with moderate fibrosis, and 37 with cirrhosis were collected from autopsies, intraoperative biopsies, and liver explants. Matrix proteins and cell markers were assessed by staining and second harmonic generation imaging. Mechanical tensile testing was performed on a test frame.

Results

Capsule thickness was significantly increased in cirrhotic samples compared with normal controls irrespective of disease aetiology (70.12 ± 14.16 μm and 231.58 ± 21.82 μm, respectively), whereas steatosis and moderate fibrosis had no effect on thickness (90.91 ± 11.40 μm). Changes in cirrhosis included an increase in cell number (fibroblasts, vascular cells, infiltrating immune cells, and biliary epithelial cells). Key matrix components (collagens 1 and 3, hyaluronan, versican, and elastin) were all deposited in the lower capsule, although only the relative amounts per area of hyaluronan and versican were increased. Organisational features, including crimping and alignment of collagen fibres, were also altered in cirrhosis. Unexpectedly, capsules from cirrhotic livers had decreased resistance to loading compared with controls.

Conclusions

The liver capsule, similar to the parenchyma, is an active site of disease, demonstrating changes in matrix and cell composition as well as mechanical properties.

Impact and implications

We assessed the changes in composition and response to stretching of the liver outer sheath, the capsule, in human liver disease. We found an increase in key structural components and numbers of cells as well as a change in matrix organisation of the capsule during the later stages of disease. This allows the diseased capsule to stretch more under any given force, suggesting that it is less stiff than healthy tissue.

Microwave ablation versus surgical resection for subcapsular hepatocellular carcinoma: a propensity score-matched study of long-term therapeutic outcomes

OBJECTIVES

The therapeutic efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) for subcapsular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been well characterized. We aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of MWA and surgical resection (SR) in patients with subcapsular HCC.

METHODS

This retrospective study comprised 321 patients with subcapsular HCC meeting the Milan criteria who received MWA (n = 99) or SR (n = 222). Local tumor progression (LTP), overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were analyzed using propensity score matching (PSM) to compare the therapeutic efficacy.

RESULTS

In the total cohort, there were no significant differences in 5-year LTP rates (14.0% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.12), OS rates (70.7% vs. 73.2%, p = 0.63), and DFS rates (38.3% vs. 41.2%, p = 0.22) between the MWA and SR groups. After PSM, the cumulative LTP rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 9.7%, 14.0%, and 16.4% in the MWA group (n = 84) and 7.2%, 8.6%, and 10.6% in the SR group (n = 84), respectively, with no significant difference (p = 0.31). Neither corresponding OS rates (96.4%, 84.8%, and 73.0% vs. 95.2%, 85.5%, and 72.1%, p = 0.89) nor DFS rates (76.0%, 52.6%, and 38.1% vs. 76.2%, 44.7%, and 32.3%, p = 0.43) were significantly different between the MWA and SR groups. Whereas MWA obtained fewer complications for both cohorts (both p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

MWA showed comparable long-term therapeutic outcomes to SR, and it might be an alternative curative option for subcapsular HCC within the Milan criteria.

KEY POINTS

• Microwave ablation showed comparable local tumor progression, overall survival, and disease-free survival to surgical resection for subcapsular hepatocellular carcinoma meeting the Milan criteria. • Microwave ablation obtained fewer complications and shorter postoperative hospital stay.

Transcatheter arterial embolization for subcapsular hematoma of the liver

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the technical and clinical success rates of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for subcapsular hematoma of the liver.

METHODS

Between January 2010 and March 2022, 34 patients underwent TAE for subcapsular hematomas of the liver. The causes of subcapsular hematoma were liver tumor rupture (n = 12), trauma (n = 12), iatrogenic complications (n = 9), and spontaneous bleeding (n = 1). The technical and clinical success rates of TAE, blood test results after TAE and additional treatments were evaluated. The patients were divided into either with or without retrograde segmental or lobar portal venous flow on angiography. Technical and clinical success rates and blood test results after TAE were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Technical and clinical success rates were 94.1% and 73.5%, respectively. Six patients died within one month of TAE. A repeat TAE was performed in three patients. Surgical removal and hemostasis for subcapsular hematoma were done in four patients. One patient had liver failure. The retrograde portal venous flow was observed in 18 patients. The difference in technical and clinical success rates and blood test results after TAE between the two groups was statistically insignificant.

CONCLUSION

TAE is an effective and safe treatment for subcapsular hematomas of the liver. The success rates of TAE and liver damage due to TAE did not differ between patients with and without retrograde portal venous flow.

Gata6+ resident peritoneal macrophages promote the growth of liver metastasis

Emerging evidence suggests that resident macrophages within tissues are enablers of tumor growth. However, a second population of resident macrophages surrounds all visceral organs within the cavities and nothing is known about these GATA6⁺ large peritoneal macrophages (GLPMs) despite their ability to invade injured visceral organs by sensing danger signals. Here, we show that GLPMs invade growing metastases that breach the visceral mesothelium of the liver via the "find me signal", ATP. Depleting GLPMs either by pharmacological or genetic tools, reduces metastases growth. Apoptotic bodies from tumor cells induces programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) upregulation on GLPMs which block CD8⁺ T cell function. Direct targeting of GLPMs by intraperitoneal but not intravenous administration of anti-PD-L1 reduces tumor growth. Thermal ablation of liver metastases recruits huge numbers of GLPMs and enables rapid regrowth of tumors. GLPMs contribute to metastatic growth and tumor recurrence.

Large Hepatic Subcapsular Hematoma Following Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: A Case Report

For decades, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been the cornerstone in the treatment of several biliopancreatic diseases. Although it is a relatively safe procedure, there are certain hazards involved. Hepatic subcapsular hematoma (HSH) is an uncommon complication of ERCP, with only a few cases reported in the literature to date. We present here a case of large HSH that developed 48 hours after an otherwise uneventful ERCP for choledocholithiasis. After being apparently well for the first two days post-ERCP, the patient began to develop abdominal pain and restlessness associated with hemodynamic instability and a decline in hemoglobin levels. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the presence of a large HSH. The patient was managed nonsurgically with vascular angioembolization followed by ultrasound-guided percutaneous catheter drainage of hematoma. This case highlights the necessity of increasing awareness about this complication in order to aid in early diagnosis and management.

Hepatic Pseudolipoma: A Rare Case

Pseudolipoma, also known as pseudolipoma of the Glisson's capsule, is an encapsulated lesion that contains degenerated fat and is enveloped by the liver capsule. In this report, we discuss a 37-year-old male presenting with dysuria and microscopic hematuria who revealed an incidental finding of a pseudolipoma on a CT scan of the abdomen.

Migrating pseudolipoma of Glisson's capsule

Pseudolipomas of Glisson's capsule are rare benign subcapsular liver lesions that typically affect older men. They are composed of degenerating fat that is thought to originate from a detached epiploic appendage. On Computed Tomographic (CT) imaging, pseudolipomas of Glisson's capsule are well-circumscribed and hypoattenuating compared to the hepatic parenchyma. This case report examines three consecutive CT studies in the same patient that show the pseudolipoma migrating to a hepatic subcapsular location over a period of 4.5 months. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of a pseudolipoma migrating over time and it supports the hypothesis of a migrating epiploic appendage forming a pseudolipoma of Glisson's capsule. A comprehensive review of relevant literature and a discussion of the presented case are provided.

Perforated Gangrenous Gallbladder in an Asymptomatic Patient

Acute cholecystitis or inflammation of the gallbladder is a common cause of hospitalizations. A percentage of those patients will progress to gangrenous cholecystitis and perforation. This medical emergency can lead to peritonitis, which has increased morbidity and mortality. The first-line modality for the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis is an ultrasound, but if it is inconclusive, then a computed tomography (CT) scan may be beneficial. Gangrenous cholecystitis and perforation have been reported in asymptomatic diabetic patients secondary to diabetic neuropathy and/or gallbladder ischemia leading to nerve denervation. Yet, here we present the case of an asymptomatic non-diabetic patient with gangrenous gallbladder perforation that was treated with antibiotics and drain placements. Diagnosis and treatment involve the collaboration between primary care, interventional, and diagnostic services to appropriately manage these patients. This case demonstrates that clinicians should have a low threshold to conduct CT scan of the abdomen, especially when there is a sudden resolution of pain.

Hepatic subcapsular or capsular flow in biliary atresia: is it useful imaging feature after the Kasai operation?

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the implications of hepatic subcapsular and capsular flows using ultrasonography (US) in children after Kasai operation.

METHODS

Children who underwent liver US including color Doppler US and microvascular imaging (MVI) from May 2017 to October 2017 were retrospectively included. Children who underwent the Kasai operation for biliary atresia were included in the Kasai group and children with normal liver were included in the control group. Using US results, the number of intrahepatic biliary cysts and the maximum diameter of the spleen were evaluated in the Kasai group. Liver stiffness values were included when patients in the Kasai group had transient elastography (TE) or shear wave elastography (SWE) results. Hepatic subcapsular and capsular flows on color Doppler US and MVI were compared between the two groups using the following scores: 0, no flow reaching the hepatic capsule; 1, any flow reaching the hepatic capsule; and 2, contiguous hepatic capsular flow. The logistic regression test was used to identify associations between age, intrahepatic biliary cysts, spleen size, SWV, TE results, and flow scores measured on Doppler US and MVI in the Kasai group using the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULT

A total of 65 children (mean 7.6 ± 5.3 years), 44 in the Kasai group and 21 in the control group, were included. In the control group, one child had score 1 on MVI and others had score 0 on both Doppler US and MVI. Among the Kasai group, 28 children (63.6%) had score 1, while others had score 0 using Doppler US. Using MVI, 24 children (54.5%) had score 2, 18 children had score 1, and one child had score 0. In the Kasai group, increased liver stiffness on TE was the only factor significantly associated with the presence of subcapsular flow on color Doppler US (OR 1.225, 95% CI 1.020-1.470) and increased spleen size was the only factor significantly associated with increased flow scores on MVI (OR 1.397, 95% CI 1.002-2.724).

CONCLUSION

Detection of hepatic subcapsular, capsular flows on US would be meaningful for children after receiving the Kasai operation.

KEY POINTS

• Hepatic subcapsular or capsular flows can be useful not only for the diagnosis but also for the postoperative follow-up in patients with biliary atresia. • Increased liver stiffness and splenomegaly after the Kasai operation were associated with presence of subcapsular or capsular flow on ultrasonography. • Evaluation of hepatic subcapsular and capsular flows could be needed to assess disease progression after receiving the Kasai operation.

Minimally invasive surgery versus radiofrequency ablation for single subcapsular hepatocellular carcinoma ≤ 2 cm with compensated liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

There is currently no consensus regarding the relative applicability of minimally invasive treatment, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in patients with a single small peripheral hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and compensated cirrhosis. This study investigated the clinical outcomes of MIS and RFA for single subcapsular HCC ≤ 2 cm in patients with compensated cirrhosis.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we enrolled 75 patients who had a single subcapsular HCC ≤ 2 cm along with Child-Pugh class A cirrhosis and a preoperative platelet count ≥ 100 k/μl. These patients underwent RFA (n = 39) or MIS (n = 36) between 2010 and 2016. Clinical outcomes including disease-free survival (DFS), survival without recurrence beyond the Milan criteria (RBM), and overall survival (OS) were compared.

RESULTS

The 7-year DFS rates in the MIS and RFA groups were 86.1% and 35.9% (p < 0.001), respectively, the 7-year RBM rates were 88.9% and 66.7% (p = 0.014), respectively, and the 7-year OS rates were 97.2% and 82.1% (p = 0.008), respectively. RFA was associated with more ipsilateral lobe recurrence (20% vs. 83.4%, p = 0.004), and 40% were in direct contact with the ablation penumbra. A Cox proportional hazard analysis identified RFA as an independent predictor of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 9.625, p = 0.038). No major complications occurred in either group. RFA patients had a shorter hospital stay (median of 2 vs. 6 days, p < 0.001) and operation time (median of 23.5 vs. 216 min, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

MIS was associated with a better 7-year OS, RBM, and DFS among patients with single subcapsular HCC ≤ 2 cm, Child-Pugh A liver function, and no clinically significant portal hypertension when compared to those who underwent percutaneous RFA.

The macro-metastasis/organ parenchyma interface (MMPI) - A hitherto unnoticed area

The macro-metastasis/organ parenchyma interface (MMPI) was previously considered an inert anatomical border which sharply separates the affected organ parenchyma from the macro-metastatic tissue. Recently, infiltrative growth of macro-metastases from various primary tumors was described in the brain, liver and lung, with significant impact on survival. Strikingly, the MMPI patterns differed between entities, so that at least nine different patterns were described. The MMPI patterns could be further classified into three major groups: displacing, epithelial and diffuse infiltrating. Additionally, macro-metastases are a source of further tumor cell dissemination in the affected organ; and these intra-organ metastatic dissemination tracks starting from the MMPI also vary depending on the anatomical structures of the colonized organ and influence disease outcome. In spite of their relevance, MMPIs and organ-specific dissemination tracks are still largely overlooked by many clinicians, pathologists and/or researchers. In this review, we aim to address this important issue and enhance our current understanding of the different MMPI patterns and dissemination tracks in the brain, liver and lung.

Bleeding Liver Masses: Imaging Features With Pathologic Correlation and Impact on Management

OBJECTIVE. The purposes of this article are to discuss a variety of liver masses that can present with hemorrhage, including their characteristic imaging features, and to propose a diagnostic approach. CONCLUSION. A broad spectrum of pathologic conditions can present as spontaneous hemorrhage within or surrounding the liver and may present acutely or as a chronic or incidental finding. Imaging characteristics and clinical history can often narrow the differential diagnosis and guide management.

Distinct MDCT imaging features to differential diagnosis of hepatic paragonimiasis and small hepatocellular carcinoma

We used multi-row detector computed tomography (MDCT) to identify the distinguishing characteristics of hepatic paragonimiasis and small hepatocellular carcinoma lesions. We analyzed a cohort of 60 patients, of which 26 had hepatic paragonimiasis and 34 with a small (≤ 3cm) hepatocellular carcinoma. MDCT detected 65 lesions that were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed based on their imaging features. Both groups showed distinct MDCT imaging features that could contribute to an accurate diagnosis. In the paragonimiasis group, 75% (21/28) lesions were located in the hepatic subcapsular region, whereas only 10.8% (4/37) of lesions in the hepatocellular carcinoma group were subcapsular. Most hepatic paragonimiasis lesions (57.1%; 16/28) also showed characteristic tubular or tunnel features that were not present in hepatocellular carcinomas. Further, 71.4% (20/28) paragonimiasis lesions were rim enhanced with irregular tract-like non-enhanced internal areas with a characteristic target loop, while 94.6% (35/37) of small hepatocellular carcinoma lesions showed homogenous enhancement in the arterial and venous phase. In addition, the period CT values for hepatic paragonimiasis were less than those of hepatic carcinomas (P<0.001). These clinically significant findings illustrate the diagnostic features that enable one to distinguish hepatic paragonimiasis from small hepatocellular carcinomas.

Hepatic paragonimiasis: a single-center retrospective analysis of 32 cases in Mainland China

Background

In paragonimiasis, the lungs and pleural cavity are the major target organs, and the central nervous system can also be affected. The liver is an organ in which ectopic paragonimiasis rarely occurs. Because the symptoms and examinations in hepatic paragonimiasis (HP) are not typical, the disease is often misdiagnosed in the clinic.

Methods

From February 2008 to March 2015, our department accepted 32 patients who presented with a liver mass upon ultrasound and computed tomography imaging and in whom the source of the mass could not be identified upon numerous further diagnostic tests. We ultimately obtained surgical biopsies of their lesions for pathological examination. We analysed the clinical data of these cases, along with their disease characteristics, the diagnostic strategies employed and their treatment experiences. Additionally, we performed patient follow-up for a period of 6–12 months.

Results

All patients underwent half/partial hepatectomy and were diagnosed with HP upon pathological examination. They recovered well after surgery and their original symptoms were markedly improved without recurrence. The liver functions of the patients reached normal levels before discharge and no additional liver lesions were found upon diagnostic imaging.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of HP based on clinical manifestations, laboratory tests or image examination is difficult and only pathologic analysis of biopsies could confirm HP. Surgical treatment not only removes lesions, but also allows for pathologic biopsy. This study encompasses the largest number of HP patients to date, but the surgical outcomes require further research and long-term follow-up.

The "frosted liver" appearance in hepatic tuberculosis: a rare presentation

Tuberculosis is a major re-emerging global health concern. The disease may involve any body system and is a great mimicker of various pathologies owing to its non-specific imaging findings. Herein we report an extremely rare case of atypical tuberculosis of the liver in a young female with complaints of abdominal pain and haematemesis for 10 weeks. Isolated hepatic tuberculosis is a rare entity with < 100 cases reported in the literature. It is therefore important to have a high index of suspicion and be familiar with the atypical imaging findings of abdominal tuberculosis. This discussion highlights the clinical presentation, imaging findings and types of hepatic involvement in tuberculosis.

Causes of hepatic capsular retraction: a pictorial essay

Abstract

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.

Teaching Points

• 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.

Mechanical Characteristics of Bovine Glisson's Capsule as a Model Tissue for Soft Collagenous Membranes

An extensive multiaxial experimental campaign on the monotonic, time- and history-dependent mechanical response of bovine Glisson's capsule (GC) is presented. Reproducible characteristics were observed such as J-shaped curves in uniaxial and biaxial configurations, large lateral contraction, cyclic tension softening, large tension relaxation, and moderate creep strain accumulation. The substantial influence of the reference state selection on the kinematic response and the tension versus stretch curves is demonstrated and discussed. The parameters of a large-strain viscoelastic constitutive model were determined based on the data of uniaxial tension relaxation experiments. The model is shown to well predict the uniaxial and biaxial viscoelastic responses in all other configurations. GC, the corresponding model, and the experimental protocols are proposed as a useful basis for future studies on the relation between microstructure and tissue functionality and on the factors influencing the mechanical response of soft collagenous membranes.

"Periportal neoplasms"--a CT perspective: review article

The periportal space is a potential space surrounding the portal vein and its intrahepatic branches. A variety of neoplasms can involve the periportal region, whether primary or secondary, owing to contiguous spread from surrounding hepatic parenchyma or from adjacent organs. CT plays an important role in not only diagnosing these lesions but also determining the extent of the disease. Most of the malignancies leading to the periportal spread manifest as periportal hypodensity either distinctly or in contiguity with the primary tumour. Even in known malignancies, periportal hypodensity commonly results from non-neoplastic causes like periportal oedema; hence, a knowledge of the imaging findings to ascertain its presence as well as to conclude the definite neoplastic spread is prudent. Periportal spread of neoplasm may suggest locally aggressive or disseminated disease (in extrahepatic malignancies), which may change management accordingly.

Pseudolesion in segment IV A of the liver from vein of Sappey secondary to SVC obstruction

Pseudolesions in the liver are caused by unusual/altered hemodynamics of the liver and can be confused with a true hepatic mass. In superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction. there is recruitment of the cavo-mammary-phrenic-hepatic-capsule-portal pathway. and the venous blood follows the internal mammary vein, the inferior phrenic vein, the hepatic capsule veins, and the intrahepatic portal system. causing a hypervascular pseudolesion in segment IV A of the liver. Recognizing the classic appearances of this hypervascular pseudolesion from the vein of Sappey in a CT study of the abdomen has prognostic implications in directing further evaluation of the chest for SVC obstruction. We present a case of a 54-year-old HIV-positive male smoker in whom identification of the hypervascular pseudolesion from the vein of Sappey on the abdominal CT led to the diagnosis of SVC syndrome.

Dynamic changes in ultrasound characteristics of nodules in cirrhotic liver and their implications in surveillance for malignancy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether there are ultrasound characteristics that can suggest HCC in ultrasound surveillance of nodules in cirrhotic liver.

METHODS

Data from 277 patients with hepatitis B virus-related nodules in cirrhotic liver undergoing ultrasound surveillance of the nodules for malignancy were reviewed. Size of the nodules ranged 6-23 mm. The nodules were followed by color Doppler ultrasound at 3- to 6-month intervals, with focus on size, shape, echogenicity, margin, halo sign, and vasculature. Suspicious malignant nodules underwent contrast-enhanced CT/MRI, and some indeterminate nodules underwent biopsy.

RESULTS

Nodules in 189 patients were hypo/isoechoic/faint high echoic, 23 were hyperechoic, and 65 were both hypo/isoechoic/faint high echoic and hyperechoic. Forty-two patients developed hepatocellular carcinoma: 35 from nodules and 7 from background parenchyma. Fourteen nodules recessed (size >10 mm), 11 new nodules emerged (size >10 mm), and the total number of nodules increased over 5 years. All hepatocellular carcinomas developed from hypo/isoechoic/faint high echoic nodules, and no typical hyperechoic nodules developed into hepatocellular carcinomas. The size increased significantly when the nodules developed into hepatocellular carcinomas. No nodule presented an overt halo, seven hepatocellular carcinomas developed from nodules with a halo, and ill-defined margins of 16 nodules became well defined when they developed into hepatocellular carcinomas. No vasculature was detectable in the nodules, while it was detectable in eight hepatocellular carcinomas. No significant change occurred in nodules without malignancy.

CONCLUSION

The characteristics for dynamic surveillance of nodules in cirrhotic liver for malignancy should include nodule growth, margin, halo, and vasculature. Apart from evident growth, an ill-defined margin becoming a well-defined margin, a newly emerged halo, and newly detectable vasculature are strongly suggestive of nodule malignancy.

Characteristic MR and CT imaging findings of hepatobiliary paragonimiasis and their pathologic correlations

BACKGROUND

Hepatobiliary paragonimiasis (HP) is not commonly encountered and may be confused with hepatobiliary tumors; however, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of HP allow this entity to be distinguished from other diseases.

PURPOSE

To present the CT and MRI findings in patients with HP and to describe some specific imaging findings along with their pathological correlations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Imaging and clinical findings of 21 patients (9 boys/men and 12 girls/women; age range 3-67 years; mean age 40 years) who were diagnosed with HP were retrospectively evaluated. Among these patients, 16 underwent CT examination only, two had MR examination only, and three underwent both CT and MR. All patients underwent surgery, and the HP diagnosis was confirmed by the surgical and histopathologic results.

RESULTS

Chronic abdominal pain or back pain was reported by 14 patients, severe abdominal pain with acute onset was reported by one patient, and six patients were asymptomatic and were discovered incidentally. Peripheral eosinophilia was present in 14 patients (14/21, 66.7%), and abnormal liver function tests were found in 16 patients (16/21, 76.2%). Of the 19 patients who underwent CT imaging, 17 patients showed multiple mixed hypodense lesions or multiple cysts with inlaying septation with separate irregular rims or circular enhancement on post-contrast CT images. Tunnel-shaped microabscesses and necrotic cavities were found in the lesions of 12 of those 17 patients. The other two patients showed smaller cystic masses. MRI showed faveolate T1 hypointense and T2 hyperintense areas in the liver parenchyma with rim or peripheral enhancement. Nodular or circular hyperintense materials were found scattered in the lesions on T1-weighted imaging.

CONCLUSION

CT and MRI can reveal the radiological-pathological features of HP. Together with laboratory findings, MRI and CT findings may provide diagnostic clues, especially in endemic areas, that are very important for the selection of treatment methods.