Greetings
Department of Diagnostic Imaging receives orders from physicians in charge of each clinical department and performs a wide range of imaging tests, including plain X-rays, gastrointestinal contrast imaging, CT scans, MRI scans, nuclear medicine scans, and angiograms, and returns the test results to clinicians in the form of reports. We also provide treatments using angiography and nuclear medicine techniques. Our work involves diagnosing diseases of the entire body, from head to toe, using new imaging equipment and image analysis devices, and highly specialized training in diagnostic imaging is required to maximize the benefits of these new technologies in medical treatment. While we do not often interact with patients, we play a role as the "unsung heroes" working behind the scenes.
Chief of Department of Diagnostic Imaging Department
Jun Hashimoto
Treatment details
Department of Diagnostic Imaging is responsible for diagnostic imaging for patients from all departments within the hospital. Medical examinations are broadly divided into plain radiography, gastrointestinal contrast examinations, CT, MRI, angiography, and nuclear medicine. We have five CT machines and six MRI machines, and perform a large number of examinations every day. In order to reduce waiting times, we generally operate on a reservation system, but we also handle emergency examinations, so same-day examinations and diagnoses are possible. We also handle emergency angiography.
Diagnostic imaging doctors work with the attending physician to perform diagnostic imaging tests in response to requests from each department. They also hold regular conferences with each department in their respective fields of expertise and are involved in determining treatment plans.
The distinctive features of our Department of Diagnostic Imaging include the centralization of the department, a complete filmless system, and the creation of reports by transcribers, which are essential for improving the quality and efficiency of medical care.
Main target diseases
Cardiac CT/MRI
In recent years, advances in diagnostic imaging have made it possible to obtain clear images of beating organs like the heart using CT and MRI. Our hospital performs CT coronary angiography (CTCA) using the latest 128-slice dual-source CT. Electrocardiogram-synchronized imaging is performed while intravenously administering iodine contrast. Images from a specific cardiac phase are reconstructed and visualized as still images for evaluation. Because 128-slice dual-source CT can obtain high-resolution images of even small, beating blood vessels like the coronary arteries, it offers superior diagnostic capabilities compared to coronary angiography. In addition to assessing the presence or absence of stenosis, CT values can also predict the nature of atherosclerotic plaque. The actual scan requires less than 10 seconds of breath-holding to capture the entire coronary artery, and the entire scan, including preparation, takes approximately 15 minutes. While this procedure is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, it is also possible to receive direct referrals from nearby medical facilities via Regional Medical Collaboration Office.
We also perform cardiac MRI scans using state-of-the-art equipment. While the entire scan takes between 40 minutes and an hour, a single scan can evaluate cardiac morphology, function, and myocardial properties. In patients with myocardial infarction, the extent of the infarction can be visualized, allowing for the diagnosis of myocardial viability. It can also diagnose a variety of other diseases, including cardiomyopathy and myocarditis, and is used to evaluate the causes of heart failure and the effectiveness of treatment. There is also a method for imaging coronary arteries without the use of contrast agents, which is useful for patients with asthma, renal failure, or other conditions for whom contrast agents cannot be used.
Angiography, IVR
The center focuses on intravascular treatments, tracheal and biliary tract treatments using catheters, high frequency waves, lasers, etc., under imaging guidance using angiography and X-ray fluoroscopy equipment, ultrasound tomography equipment, and the world's first MRXO (MRI, angiography, and operating room integrated) system. Specifically, our main treatments include chemoembolization for cancer, primarily primary liver cancer (in collaboration with Gastroenterology), implantation of reservoir systems for intra-arterial chemotherapy for metastatic liver cancer and uterine cancer (in collaboration with General Surgery), angioplasty for obstructive arteriosclerosis, renovascular hypertension, and dialysis shunts (in collaboration with Cardiovascular Surgery and the Renal Center), stent graft treatment for aortic aneurysms (photo), sclerotherapy for gastric venous cancer, embolization and biliary stents for varicose veins and hepatic encephalopathy caused by portal hypertension (in collaboration with Gastroenterology), embolization and tracheal/bronchial stents for hemoptysis (in collaboration with Respiratory Medicine), and embolization for trauma (liver, spleen, kidney, pelvic fractures, mesenteric injuries, etc.) (in collaboration with Emergency Medical Center).
Main medical achievements
CT coronary angiography
Normal left and right coronary arteries
Cardiac MRI
Diagnosis of myocardial infarction with delayed contrast-enhanced MRI
Left ventricular short axis image, anterior wall septal infarction
Three-dimensional CT of abdominal aorta before treatment
Three-dimensional CT after stent graft treatment
Doctor List
Department Head: Jun Hashimoto
Clinical department URL: https://www.fuzoku-hosp.tokai.ac.jp/service/gazou/
Professor Jun Hashimoto
| Specialization | General diagnostic imaging |
|---|---|
| Specialist | Japanese Radiological Society Diagnostic Specialist / Japanese Society of Nuclear Medicine Specialist / Japanese Society of Nuclear Medicine PET Nuclear Medicine Certified Physician |
| Specialized Areas | Cardiac nuclear medicine, brain nuclear medicine, cardiac CT, cardiac MRI |
Professor Toru Niwa
| Specialization | General diagnostic imaging |
|---|---|
| Specialist | Specialist of the Japanese Society of Radiology, Specialist of the Japanese Society of Nuclear Medicine, Specialist of the Japanese Society of Angiography and Interventional Radiology |
| Specialized Areas | Pediatric diseases |
Associate Professor Tamaki Ichikawa
| Specialization | General diagnostic imaging |
|---|---|
| Specialist | Diagnostic specialist of the Japanese Society of Medical Radiology |
| Specialized Areas | Abdominal imaging |
Associate Professor Toshiki Kazama
| Specialization | General diagnostic imaging |
|---|---|
| Specialist | Japanese Radiological Society Diagnostic Specialist / Japanese Society of Nuclear Medicine Specialist / Japanese Society of Nuclear Medicine PET Nuclear Medicine Certified Physician / Screening Mammography Interpretation Certified Physician |
| Specialized Areas | mammary gland, PET |
Lecturer: Noriharu Yanagimachi
| Specialization | General diagnostic imaging |
|---|---|
| Specialist | Diagnostic specialist of the Japanese Society of Medical Radiology |
| Specialized Areas | Cerebrospinal imaging diagnosis |
Lecturer Jun Endo
| Specialization | General diagnostic imaging |
|---|---|
| Specialist | Diagnostic specialist of the Japanese Society of Medical Radiology |
| Specialized Areas | Abdominal and pelvic imaging diagnostics for trauma |
Assistant Professor Makiko Kobayashi
| Specialization | General diagnostic imaging |
|---|---|
| Specialist | Diagnostic specialist of the Japanese Society of Medical Radiology |
| Specialized Areas | Abdominal and pelvic imaging |
Assistant Professor Tatsuya Sekiguchi
| Specialization | General diagnostic imaging |
|---|---|
| Specialist | Specialist of the Japanese Society of Radiology and Specialist of the Japanese Society of Angiography and Interventional Radiology |
| Specialized Areas | Emergency imaging and IVR |
Assistant Professor Takashi Okazaki
| Specialization | General diagnostic imaging |
|---|---|
| Specialist | Diagnostic specialist of the Japanese Society of Medical Radiology |
| Specialized Areas | Cerebrospinal imaging diagnosis, nuclear medicine |
Assistant Professor Shun Ono
| Specialization | General diagnostic imaging |
|---|---|
| Specialist | Diagnostic specialist of the Japanese Society of Medical Radiology |
| Specialized Areas | IVR |
Assistant Professor Yui Nagafuji
| Specialization | General diagnostic imaging |
|---|---|
| Specialist | Diagnostic specialist of the Japanese Society of Medical Radiology |
| Specialized Areas | Gynecological imaging diagnosis |
Assistant Professor Yuka Sekiguchi
| Specialization | General diagnostic imaging |
|---|---|
| Specialist | Diagnostic specialist of the Japanese Society of Medical Radiology |
| Specialized Areas | IVR, nuclear medicine |