title: Open source software in a practical approach for post processing of radiologic images.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the use of open source software (OSS) to process DICOM images.
  
  
  METHODS
  We selected 23 programs for Windows and 20 programs for Mac from 150 possible OSS programs including DICOM viewers and various tools (converters, DICOM header editors, etc.). The programs selected all meet the basic requirements such as free availability, stand-alone application, presence of graphical user interface, ease of installation and advanced features beyond simple display monitor. Capabilities of data import, data export, metadata, 2D viewer, 3D viewer, support platform and usability of each selected program were evaluated on a scale ranging from 1 to 10 points.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twelve programs received a score higher than or equal to eight. Among them, five obtained a score of 9: 3D Slicer, MedINRIA, MITK 3M3, VolView, VR Render; while OsiriX received 10.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  OsiriX appears to be the only program able to perform all the operations taken into consideration, similar to a workstation equipped with proprietary software, allowing the analysis and interpretation of images in a simple and intuitive way. OsiriX is a DICOM PACS workstation for medical imaging and software for image processing for medical research, functional imaging, 3D imaging, confocal microscopy and molecular imaging. This application is also a good tool for teaching activities because it facilitates the attainment of learning objectives among students and other specialists.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Radiology, AOU Ospedali Riuniti, Ancona, Italy, g-l-v@libero.it.
authors.forename: Gianluca
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Valeri
authors.forename: Francesco Antonino
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Mazza
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maggi
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Aramini
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: La Riccia
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mazzoni
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Giovagnoni
mesh_terms: D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D011873:Radiology Information Systems; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012984:Software; D012986:Software Validation; D014584:User-Computer Interface