
The demand on workflow-optimized and integrated systems for imaging-based clinical trials increases. Using DICOM software, a subject’s image data is viewed and analyzed by physicians in hospitals, as well as in clinical research.Īccordingly, a lack of interfaces for system integration has been identified as a key issue in clinical research, where systems still are operated standalone. The protocol is applied to capture, exchange, and archive image data in picture archiving and communication systems (PACS). Nowadays, DICOM has been established as the leading standard for image data management in medical applications. Our evaluation shows that advanced visualization and suitable interfaces can also be found in the open source field and not only in commercial products.ĭigital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) has been released in 1993 by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).

Weasis is superior for workflow optimization in clinical trials. Focusing on open source components, MIPAV is the best candidate for 3D imaging as well as DICOM communication.

Interfaces needed for decentral viewing in web-based systems are offered by Oviyam, Weasis, and Xero. The viewers ImageJ, MicroView, MIPAV, and OsiriX Lite offer all included 3D-rendering features for advanced viewing. Suitable DICOM interfaces for central viewing in hospitals are provided by GingkoCADx, MIPAV, and OsiriX Lite. On the average, 4.48 and 1.43 of overall 8 2D and 5 3D image viewing criteria are satisfied, respectively. They include (i) platform, (ii) interface, (iii) support, (iv) two-dimensional (2D), and (v) three-dimensional (3D) viewing. The evaluation criteria are obtained from application scenarios in clinical research rather than patient care. In this paper, a comprehensive evaluation of 28 DICOM viewers is performed. Imaging biomarkers and image-based surrogate endpoints in clinical trials and medical registries require DICOM viewer software with advanced functionality for visualization and interfaces for integration.

The digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) protocol is the leading standard for image data management in healthcare.
