To explore the value of radiomics features derived from 18F-FDG PET/CT images in predicting the histological grade of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
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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:
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Diagnostic Imaging's Weekly Scan: March 23 — March 29
Catch up on the top radiology content of the past week.
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Accuracy of coronary CTA using spectral CT in patients with high calcium score
The effectiveness of coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is hindered by high coronary calcium scores, which create blooming artefacts that obscure the coronary lumen and lead to inaccurate stenosis assessments.1 Spectral CT, utilizing multi-energy CT technology, allows data acquisition at different energy levels, improving coronary artery visualization, particularly in the presence of calcified plaques.2–4 This study evaluates the accuracy of coronary CTA using spectral CT in patients…
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Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious and potentially fatal condition, and with its high incidence and mortality rate, it ranks as the third most common cardiovascular syndrome worldwide [1]. With the advancement in imaging technology, including improved image quality, the sensitivity of PE detection has increased [2]. CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is currently the first-line modality for diagnosing PE due to its excellent accuracy and low rate of inconclusive results [3,4]. Now, clinicians are…
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Preoperative identification of hepatocellular carcinoma from focal liver lesions ≤ 20 mm in high-risk patients using clinical and contrast-enhanced ultrasound features
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy [1] and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide [2]. High-risk patients, including those with liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B or C, or alcohol abuse, require imaging surveillance [3].
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This study aimed to compare synovial joint effusion stiffness and vascularization using shear wave elastography (SWE) and Power Doppler ultrasound (PDU) among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with varying joint symptoms and healthy controls and to explore associations with patient characteristics.
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Contrast enhanced ultrasound versus MRI for response assessment of extra-abdominal desmoid Fibromatosis- A feasibility study
Desmoid Fibromatosis (DF) is a locally aggressive soft tissue tumor which was traditionally managed with surgical excision. However due to high rates of local recurrence and insights about its behavior, there is now a paradigm shift towards active surveillance and medical management. Imaging plays a crucial role in surveillance and treatment response; however, conventional RECIST criteria are not adequate for DF. MRI is the preferred modality but faces limitation in availability and uniformity. …
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Expanded FDA Approval Allows Use of Pluvicto Prior to Chemotherapy in Patients with mCRPC
Recent research demonstrated a 59 percent reduced risk of progression or death with the radioligand therapy Pluvicto in comparison to a change of androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI) for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
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New AI-Enabled Portable Ultrasound May Facilitate 50 Percent Reduction in Cardiac Imaging Scan Time
Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered measurement capabilities provide key features with the Compact Ultrasound 5500CV device, which was unveiled at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) conference.
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Mar 28 2025 This Week in Cardiology
Stopping oral anticoagulation after AF ablation, the core problem with paradoxes like the smoker’s paradox, chronic total occlusion PCI, and an ACC/EHRA preview are discussed by John Mandrola, MD, in this week’s podcast. theheart.org on Medscape