OBJECTIVE: To search in the internet for freeware medical image viewers capable of running as a PACS (picture archiving and communication system) client, and to evaluate their main functions as well as the feasibility of their use in personal computers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Google search engine and specialized sites were utilized in the search for freeware softwares for Windows. The authors have found about 70 and among them 11 were able to run as PACS clients. Six were selected for analysis: ClearCanvas Workstation, KPACS, Onis, Synedra View Personal, Mito and Tudor DicomViewer. Sixteen functions selected according to the authors' needs were evaluated. RESULTS: Among the six applications, two presented 10 of the 16 functions, and one of them presented only two. Three perform MPR (multiplanar reconstruction), one performs MIP (maximum intensity projection), two perform VR (volume rendering), two can run as a PACS server, two can create CDs, one performs images fusion, three allow the use of multiple monitors and only one is not compatible with Windows 7. CONCLUSION: Although several freeware applications are available, no one of them is complete. It is up to the users to analyze and select the software that best suits their needs. However, Onis, Synedra and ClearCanvas stand out because of their own peculiarities. The use of freeware image viewers is entirely feasible in the radiologists' daily routine.
DICOM; PACS; Medical images viewer; Teleradiology; Radiology information systems
