Intraoperative hemodynamic instability (HDI) might lead to severe complications for pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) patients. This study aims to construct a machine learning (ML) model to predict HDI based on intratumoral and peritumoral CT radiomics.
We scan the top radiology sources so you don’t have to.
From AI breakthroughs to imaging trends, we serve up real-time radiology insights.
Free DICOM Viewer: What It Is, Why It Matters, and the Best Tools Available
Medical imaging is essential for diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up care. Whether you’re a doctor, a student, or a patient, being able to open and review a DICOM file (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) can be extremely helpful. Thankfully, you don’t need to invest in expensive software to do this. A free DICOM viewer can give you full access to medical scans at no cost.
In this article, we’ll explain what DICOM files are, why a viewer is important, and which free tools offer the best features.
What Is a DICOM File?
A DICOM file contains both the medical image (such as an MRI, CT, or X-ray) and patient data embedded in it. Hospitals and clinics use DICOM to ensure standardization and compatibility across imaging equipment and systems.
However, most computers can’t open a DICOM file without special software. That’s where a DICOM viewer comes in.
Why a DICOM Viewer Is Important
A DICOM viewer allows you to:
- Open and review medical images on your own device
- Zoom, rotate, and measure structures inside the image
- Share scans securely with other doctors or get a second opinion
- Review past images to track treatment progress
For professionals, a DICOM viewer is a must-have tool. But even patients can use it to take control of their medical information.
Who Uses DICOM Viewers?
- Radiologists and clinicians use them to read scans.
- Medical students use them to learn anatomy and pathology.
- Patients may use them to view their own scans from a CD or download.
- Researchers often analyze anonymized imaging data for studies.
What to Look for in a Free DICOM Viewer
When choosing a free viewer, consider the following:
- User-friendly interface: You don’t want a steep learning curve.
- Cross-platform support: Make sure it works on Windows, Mac, or Linux.
- Basic tools: Zoom, pan, measurements, and window leveling.
- Security: Look for encryption if you’re uploading sensitive data.
- No hidden costs: Truly free, with no feature locked behind a paywall.
Top Free DICOM Viewers (2025)
Here are some reliable and widely used free DICOM viewers:
1. RadiAnt DICOM Viewer (Windows)
- Fast, lightweight, and intuitive
- Supports CT, MRI, PET, and ultrasound
- Offers multi-planar reconstruction (MPR)
2. Horos (MacOS)
- Open-source and powerful
- Built on OsiriX technology
- Ideal for education and small practices
3. MicroDicom (Windows)
- Simple and clean interface
- Great for basic image viewing and export
4. Weasis (Cross-platform)
- Java-based, suitable for hospitals and research
- Supports PACS integration
- Runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux
5. PostDICOM (Cloud-Based)
- Web-based platform
- Offers free cloud storage
- No need to install anything locally
Can Patients Use a DICOM Viewer?
Yes. Many patients receive their scans on a CD or USB drive. A free viewer lets them open and understand these images at home. While medical interpretation should be left to professionals, simply seeing your own scans helps you stay informed and involved.
The Role of DICOM in Telemedicine and Second Opinions
Free DICOM viewers have made it easier to get second opinions. You can upload your scans securely to a platform or send the files to an online radiologist. This is especially useful if:
- You’re unsure about your diagnosis
- You’re considering surgery
- You want peace of mind before treatment
News:
-
Contrast-enhanced MRI–based multi-parameter habitats radiomics models to predict early recurrence in early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma following curative resection
Despite advancements in surgical resection, liver transplantation, locoregional therapy and the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, outcomes for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain poor [1]. Hepatectomy is a radical and first-line therapeutic tool for achieving long-term survival in early-stage HCC patients [2]. However, up to 70 % of HCC patients experience subsequent recurrence within 5years after resection [3]. Early recurrence (within 2 years) accounts for approximately 7…
-
Early Intensive GDMT Regimen May Boost Recovery in HFrEF
Early and intensive guideline-directed medical therapy shows the recovery of heart function within 3 months among patients newly diagnosed with heart failure with markedly reduced ejection fraction. Medscape News UK
-
CT Angiography-derived fractional flow reserve in the emergency department: Insights from a matched cohort analysis
Coronary CTA or triple rule-out CTA of acute chest pain patients with intermediate stenosis was prospectively sent for off-site CT-FFR analysis. All clinical decisions made in the emergency department were then made with the results of this analysis available. A prospective cohort of 100 patients was matched to a control group of 100 patients (without CT-FFR) based on sex, age, and CAD-RADS category. The key clinical outcomes of both groups were then compared. The utilization of CT-FFR led to en…
-
Validating Radiology AI Model Performance on Photon-Counting CT Images Using Large Language Models for Ground Truth Extraction
To evaluate the feasibility of using large language models (LLMs) to automate ground truth label extraction from radiology reports, enabling scalable assessment and monitoring of radiology artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The framework is tested by validating AI model performance on a newly installed photon-counting CT (PCCT) scanner.
-
Rapid MR examination with deep learning reconstruction improves diagnosis of complicated acute appendicitis
Acute appendicitis is a leading cause of acute abdominal pain in emergency departments, with a lifetime risk of 7 % to 8 % [1]. Although antibiotic therapy presents a non-operative treatment option, surgery remains the standard of care. Indeed, up to 40 % of patients managed with antibiotics eventually require appendectomy within 5 years [2,3]. Consequently, accurate diagnosis and severity assessment are crucial for guiding treatment selection, optimizing surgical timing, and evaluating complica…
-
Enhanced opportunistic CT screening for osteoporosis using Machine learning derived volumetric vertebral and complementary body composition information
Osteoporosis is a major disease of bone metabolism characterized by decreased bone mass and impaired bone microarchitecture. The diagnosis of osteoporosis is based on measuring bone mineral density (BMD) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), with a BMD T-score of −2.5 or lower, as defined by the WHO diagnostic criteria for osteoporosis, representing the threshold for diagnosis [1,2]. Two sites are typically measured: the lumbar spine, including the frontal projection of the L1 to L4 vert…
-
Late gadolinium enhancement in patients with and without autoimmune rheumatic diseases: “walking, we create the way”
“There is no way! Walking, we create the way.” −Antonio Matsado, Spanish Poet