I talked about how to noninvasively obtain the hydrodynamic and biomechanical properties of the brain using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) , and how to apply them clinically. I first described an analytical method for intracranial compliance using phase contrast MRI to assess the intracranial condition and hydrodynamics and to assist in the diagnosis of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) . Next, I showed a novel method called “fluctuation MRI” for evaluating hydrodynamic and biomechanical properties of the brain obtained with the regional water-molecular diffusion change during the cardiac cycle. I explained the basis of this method and its clinical applications.

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The purpose of this paper is to review the development of fast imaging techniques in MRI. After the brief introduction of the principle of Fourier transform MRI, conventional fast imaging techniques mainly based on the improvement of pulse sequences are described. Next, further fast imaging techniques such as parallel imaging, k-t imaging technique, and finally, recently developed compressed sensing (CS) MRI techniques are discussed.

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The number of CT examinations has increased over the last decade using multidetector CT. With the development of technology, multidetector CT, enabling scan faster and wider, can be used as a one-stop-shop procedure in many clinical settings. Routine CT scan protocols are necessary to meet the growing clinical demands. However, we often encounter situations where routine protocols are not enough to assess a patient's condition and specify the diagnosis. Tips for CT image acquisition that can help diagnosis and treatment are discussed through case presentations.

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A research report on the development of an assisting system for image diagnosis in the field of dentistry is described. The research was conducted under the big project entitled as “Development of Advanced Medical Equipment Using Manufacturing Technologies and Information Technologies,” which was done in Regional Innovation Strategy Support Program (City Area Type) in Southern Gifu Area, granted from Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, MEXT, Japan (2009.6-2012.3) . To identify asymptomatic patients is a challenging task and an essential first step in diagnosis. Findings of dental panoramic radiograph (DPR) include not only dental conditions but also radiographic signs that are suggestive of possible systemic diseases such as osteoporosis, arteriosclerosis, and maxillary sinusitis. Detection of such signs on DPR has a potential to provide supplemental benefits for patients. For that reason, a new screening pathway for systemic diseases in collaboration with dentists and computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system was designed in our project. Multi-institutional clinical trials showed that our new screening pathway had the potential to identify asymptomatic patients. Toward commercializing our CAD system, we developed not only the stand-alone CAD system, but also the new systems to improve their usability; “CAD&PACS (picture archiving and communication systems) ” that integrates CAD schemes into dental PACS, and “CAD-ASP (application service provider) model” that offers CAD services via internet by the utilization of information and telecommunications technology.

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