Transient reduction of spleen density in acute pancreatitis: case reports and literature review.

A healthy spleen has density stable on computed tomographic (CT) scan; in some patients, spleen infarction can be associated with acute pancreatitis. Here, we report 2 patients with acute pancreatitis associated with transient reduction of spleen density that were confirmed in our hospital. The clinical data of the 2 patients were retrospectively analyzed, and the relevant literature was reviewed. Acute pancreatitis with transient reduction of splenic density has certain characteristics in clinical and radiological aspects. After clinical treatment, the spleen density can be restored. Its mechanism may be related to glucose and lipid metabolism, transient thrombosis formation in splenic vessels, and so on.