Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnostic evaluation of the breast was performed in 61 patients who visted the Breast Clinic of our hospital and were suspected to have malignant tumors by physical examination and mammography between January and December 1999. In 58 patients undergoing histological diagnostic tests (8 with benignancy and 50 with breast cancer), we compared the imaging characteristics and the time-signal intensity curves acquired by dynamic imaging between benign and malignant lesions, and evaluated the usefulness of analyzing enhancement patterns on contrast MRI. Contrast MRI revealed strong tumor enhancement in all patients; the mean time required for the signal intensity to reach a peak was about 7 min in patients with benign tumors and about 2 min in those with breast cancer. Peripheral ring enhancement was observed in 40 of the 50 patients with breast cancer (80.0%), while such enhancement was not noted in any of the patients with benign tumors.
Although diagnosis of breast disease by imaging has primarily relied on mammography and ultrasonography, the pattern of contrast enhancement on dynamic MRI also appears to be useful for determining the treatment method of breast tumors.

We established the Technical Aids Support Office in our hospital to promote the introduction of and technical advice about assistive technology so as to enhance the quality of care and the functioning of patients and ensure staff safety. In this paper, we introduce two complicated cases that needed individual support. Case 1: A patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The amount of assistance required had gradually increased, but the patient still hoped to use a portable toilet. Because he could barely stand up, the height of the toilet needed adjustment. An elevated seat decreased the amount of assistance required. However, raising the bottom of the portable toilet turned out to be a challenge. Case 2: Multiple limb amputee. The patient and the caregiver experienced pain and distress during transfer between bed and chair. We tried using a lift assist device, but it the hardness of the sling worsened pain at the stump. A cushion with a sliding seat was then placed between the sling and the patient to reduce friction. The shape and hardness of cushion is a future challenge to solve. Timely individual support at each stage in their care for individual patients is indispensable for the provision of technical aid support.