OsiriX
OsiriX is an open-source DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) viewer and image processing software application. Primarily used on macOS, OsiriX is designed for medical image analysis, visualization, and navigation. It's often utilized by radiologists, physicians, researchers, and medical professionals for viewing and manipulating medical images acquired from various modalities such as CT (Computed Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), PET (Positron Emission Tomography), and ultrasound.
OsiriX offers a range of features including multi-planar reconstruction (MPR), volume rendering, surface rendering, image fusion, and advanced quantification tools. It supports a variety of image formats beyond DICOM, though DICOM remains its core focus. The software's open-source nature has fostered a large community of users and developers, contributing to a wide range of plugins and extensions that enhance its capabilities. These plugins can address specific clinical needs, research applications, or offer improved workflow automation.
A key attribute of OsiriX is its capacity for fast and efficient image processing. It leverages the graphics processing unit (GPU) to accelerate rendering and manipulation of large datasets. The software's intuitive interface allows users to quickly navigate through image series, perform measurements, and create annotations.
While initially developed and maintained by a small team, OsiriX has evolved into a widely adopted tool within the medical imaging community, demonstrating the impact of open-source software in healthcare and medical research. A commercial version, known as OsiriX MD, provides additional features and support, primarily aimed at clinical use and regulatory compliance. This commercial version requires FDA and CE Mark clearances for diagnostic use in the United States and Europe, respectively.