The  standard of DICOM or the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine was created by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. DicomWorks help in the analysis and distribution of medical images including CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasound. Image files which are compliant with part 10 of the Dicom standard is often referred to as DICOM format files. Now, radiologists from all over the world can download the complete copy of the standard to add greater precision to their diagnosis.

Typically a DICOM file contains text as well as images. Information such as the  patient’s name and the type of scan can be stored in these files apart from comprehensive image data, which can also include 3D images. However, in the commonly used Analyze format, the image files and header data are stored in two different files. DICOM file images can be compressed to make room for many images whereas in Analyze format, the images cannot be compressed hence only a few images can be stored in each file. Another advantage in DICOM format is that files can be compressed in JPEG format or Run-Length Encoding format. DICOM is helpful in radiology outsourcing as well as it is the most commonly used standard for receiving scans from a hospital. There are many software packages like My freeware MRIcro software, which will easily convert most DICOM images to and from Analyze format.

With DicomWorks, you can easily view, share, and present your DICOM files. Conquest dicom software written by Marcel van Herk and Lambert Zijp can be used for  DICOM image viewing and slide making,DICOM caching and archive and DICOM image selection, editing, and splitting and merging of series among others.

Radiology conferences and radiology books are ideal sources to learn more about the latest software tools like Dicom images and fetal MRI, which helps in taking images of the  fetus in the womb in less than one second. The multi planar views will help the doctors to make accurate diagnoses of various conditions affecting the baby. Fetal MRI is a useful tool for the physicians to plan life saving surgeries and post natal treatments. Though many consider Ultrasound as the first screening method in pregnancy even today, MRI has evolved to be a problem solving tool, which can go a long way in solving life threatening conditions. It has proved to be a powerful arsenal to deal with fetal abnormalities and develop more effective strategies for dealing with these conditions.