Integrating Dermoscopic Images into PACS Using DICOM and Modality Worklist

• Published in: Studies in health technology and informatics Vol. 310; p. 199
• Main Authors: Martinez, Guillermo Agustín, Frutos, Eliana Ludmila, Ricci Lara, María Agustina, Vargas, Carolina Paula, Rodriguez Kowalczuk, Maria Victoria, Ferraresso, María Guillermina, Rubin, Luciana, Cancio, Alfredo Hernán, Otero, Carlos Martín, Otero, Paula, Luna, Daniel, Mazzuoccolo, Luis Daniel, Benitez, Sonia Elizabeth
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands 25-01-2024
• Subjects: Medical Informatics; Software; medical equipment integration; Dermoscopic images; PACS; DICOM; imaging
• ISSN: 1879-8365
• DOI: 10.3233/SHTI230955

Dermatology is one of the medical fields outside the radiology service that uses image acquisition and analysis in its daily medical practice, mostly through digital dermoscopy imaging modality. The acquisition, transfer, and storage of dermatology images has become an important issue to resolve. We aimed to describe our experience in integrating dermoscopic images into PACS using DICOM as a guide for the health informatics and dermatology community. During 2022 we integrated the video dermoscopy equipment through a strategic plan with an 8-step procedure. We used the DICOM standard with Modality Worklist and Storage commitment. Three systems were involved (video dermoscopy software, the EHR, and PACS). We identified critical steps and faced many challenges, such as the lack of a final model of DICOM standard for dermatology images.