The recent introduction of multidetector-CT (MDCT) scanners for abdominal imaging has allowed the acquisition of optimal dynamic images with high temporal and z-axis resolution. MDCT also allows the comprehensive evaluation of the reconstruction image and CT angiography (CTA). However, the radiation exposure inherent in CT poses certain safety concerns, particularly with the proliferation of multiphasic thin-section techniques, and MDCT requires the use of iodinated contrast material, which is associated with a higher incidence of adverse and nephrotoxic reactions. With the recent introduction of 3D T1-weighted imaging and parallel acquisition techniques using 3.0T MRI, the imaging acquisition time has been remarkably shortened and the z-axis spatial resolution has improved. This study enrolled 38 patients with pancreatobiliary disease who underwent both gadolinium-enhanced 3D dynamic MRI and multiphasic CT using 16-MDCT. The overall enhanced image quality of the MRI axial images was superior to that of the axial MDCT images. Multiphasic T1-weighted three-dimensional (3D) Gd-enhanced MR examination allows the comprehensive evaluation of the hepatic vascular anatomy and parenchyma in patients. The improved temporal and spatial resolution of 3T MRI may therefore be essential for the detection and characterization of focal pancreatobiliary lesions.

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We compared the minimum detection limit and the stability of hemoglobin in fecal samples using three sampling devices, followed by RPHA detection using hemoglobin-added artificial feces. The minimum detection limit of hemoglobin was lowest for the filter paper device, then the NEW-Stick device, and finally the Hemtube manual device. The hemoglobin stability in the artificial feces at the concentration of the minimum detection limit was maintained for 2 days after sampling with the NEW-Stick device and the Hemtube manual device, but the filter paper device showed an inferior result.
On the other hand, no decrease in the stability of hemoglobin in the three sampling devices was observed in the artificial feces, which were prepared at the high cut-off limit concentration as recommended by the manufacturer.

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Our company developed a DR system in advance of other companies. Our concern at that time was to place top priority on securing a diagnostic capability equal to or better than that of the conventional X-ray film system. We have been verifying the diagnostic capability by always making ROC evaluations against the conventional system. Also, in digestive tract examination, the primary factor which determines the image quality is variable, along with personal factors such as imaging technique and the reading style of image reading staff. Therefore, the acceptable image quality differs from one institution to another, and the basic design concept hinges on the possibility of adjusting the image quality to a level optimum to the institution where that particular system is being installed.
The digitization of radiographic and fluoroscopic systems will proceed without doubt. Ideally, it is desired that a high image quality be obtained on any system of any manufacture. For that purpose, it is necessary on the user side to standardize the imaging method and establish a common precision control protocol. On the other hand, the essential point on the manufacturer side is to produce devices which take into account the standardized imaging method, common standards as part of the total intra-hospital system including image reading, and the development of essential technologies for realizing low exposure doses and high image quality.

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In an attempt to conduct a process evaluation of the accuracy control implemented for abdominal ultrasonographic mass surveys, a questionnaire was sent to 228 facilities of the National Federation of Industrial Health Organization (ZENEIREN). In addition, the performance of the members of the Tokyo Health Service Association, who practice abdominal ultrasonographic mass surveys in accordance with the judgment standards established by the association, was also studied. So, we would like to present certain findings obtained from such surveys. According to the questionnaires filled in by the ZENEIREN facilities, the obtained results are as follows:
Examination time: 7 ∼ 10 min; rate of digitalization of the ultrasonographic apparatus: 41.6%; rate of the double-checking conducted on the reading of ultrasonographic images: 100% (although the double-checking on the reading of the obtained images is conducted by both a medical technician and a physician at almost all the facilities, the degree of expertise that physicians can share is low); rate of the examinees who need to be thoroughly examined: 4.2% (among them, the percentage of examinees who underwent detailed examination: 60.4%); detection rate of malignant disorders: 0.02% or less (among them, early-stage cancer: 29.7%). But, the facilities which had a positive predictive value (PPV) accounted for only 25.6%. In the case of our association, the percentage of examinees who underwent detailed examination was 76.9%. The rate of cancer detection was 0.01% for the liver and the kidney, respectively, and the PPV for the kidney was 12.5%. In this study, it was apparent that the rate of follow-up examinations is very low. Therefore, the process evaluation is graded low.

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The picture archiving and communication system (PACS) was launched at the Kyushu University Hospital, in the beginning of 2008, at the same time as the introduction of the electronic medical record system. We summarize not only the background, main issues and pit falls of the introduction of PACS, but also the improvement of system operation after the launch. PACS has improved the efficiency of medical practice in concert with the electronic medical record system through the integration of many kinds of medical information, including medical images. We would like to promote the standardization of medical information in our hospital information system and strengthen regional medical interrelationships in the future.

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