Skip to main content

Proper use of common image file formats in handling radiological images

Uso efficace dei comuni formati di file immagine nella gestione di immagini radiologiche

La radiologia medica volume 114, pages 484–495 (2009)Cite this article

Abstract

This paper highlights the differences among the most common file formats used for storing digital radiological images. It promotes the proper use of these formats to guarantee easy manipulation in handling the most typical practical applications in daily radiological practice. The authors provide a simple yet exhaustive introduction to the concept of “file format” and describe the algorithms and main features of the most common formats (BMP, JPEG, GIF, DICOM, TIF, PNG) and Portable Network Graphics (PNG).

The different formats are compared in terms of dimension, quality, portability and with reference to the following specific needs: electronic communications, publication on the World Wide Web, presentation of electronic posters, video presentations for teaching and manuscript publishing. We also illustrate how to handle the various formats with the programmes supplied with standard software installations.

The large number of digital applications of image file formats calls for a simplification in daily radiological practice. We recommend the use of JPEG and PNG for electronic communications; PNG and GIF for publication on the worldwide web; JPEG and PNG for electronic poster presentations; DICOM, PNG and JPEG for teaching presentations; TIF and PNG for printing on paper.

Riassunto

Evidenziare le differenze tra i più comuni formati di salvataggio delle immagini radiologiche digitali. Suggerire un uso appropriato e garantire la facilità di manipolazione nella gestione delle più tipiche applicazioni pratiche nel lavoro quotidiano in radiologia.

Vengono presentati in modo semplice ma esaustivo il concetto di “formato file”, gli algoritmi dei formati più comuni (BMP, JPEG, GIF, DICOM, TIF, PNG) e le loro caratteristiche principali.

Vengono messi a confronto i differenti formati in base a dimensioni, qualità, portabilità ed in relazione alle seguenti situazioni specifiche: comunicazione elettronica, pubblicazione su pagine internet, presentazione di poster elettronici, comunicazioni didattiche, stampa di pubblicazioni. Viene inoltre illustrato come gestire tali formati con i programmi che sono distribuiti assieme alle installazioni software standard.

Le numerose applicazioni digitali dei file immagine rendono d’obbligo una semplificazione nella pratica radiologica quotidiana. Troviamo consigliabile l’uso di file JPEG e PNG per le comunicazioni elettroniche; JPEG, PNG e GIF per pubblicazione a mezzo World Wide Web; JPEG e PNG per la presentazione di poster elettronici; DICOM, PNG, JPEG per scopi didattici; TIF e PNG per la stampa su carta.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

USD 39.95

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

References/Bibliografia

  1. Yang GL, Aziz A, Narayanaswami B et al (2005) Informatics in radiology (infoRAD): multimedia extension of medical imaging resource center teaching file. Radiographics 25:1699–1708

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Graham RN, Perriss RW, Scarsbrook AF (2005) DICOM demystified: a review of digital file formats and their use in radiological practice. Clin Radiol 60:1133–1140

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Kabachinski J (2007) TIFF, GIF, and PNG: get the picture? Biomed Instrum Technol 41:297–300

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Wiggins RH 3rd, Davidson CH, Harnsberger HR et al (2001) Image file formats: past, present, and future. Radiographics 2:789–798

    Google Scholar 

  5. Gillespy T 3rd, Richardson ML, Rowberg AH (1994) Displaying radiologic images on personal computers: practical applications and uses. J Digit Imaging 7:101–106

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Campioni P, Valentini V, Vincenzoni M et al (1996) Standardization of digital radiologic images. Rays 21:213–227

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Baffoni L, Barone D; Gruppo di Studio PACS Italia (2004) PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems). General principles and guidelines for its use. Radiol Med 107:1–72

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Escott EJ, Rubinstein D (2003) Free DICOM image viewing and processing software for your desktop computer: what’s available and what it can do for you. Radiographics 23:1341–1357

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Setti E, Musumeci R (2000) A visual displayer for publishing radiologic images on the World Wide Web. Radiol Med 99:383–387

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Istituto di Radiologia, Policlinico G.B. Rossi, Università di Verona, P.le L.A. Scuro, 37134, Verona, Italy

    N. Faccioli, S. Perandini, A. Comai, M. D’Onofrio & R. Pozzi Mucelli

Authors
  1. N. Faccioli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. S. Perandini
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. A. Comai
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. M. D’Onofrio
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. R. Pozzi Mucelli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to N. Faccioli.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Faccioli, N., Perandini, S., Comai, A. et al. Proper use of common image file formats in handling radiological images. Radiol med 114, 484–495 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-009-0378-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-009-0378-6

Keywords

  • Image file format
  • Radiologic image
  • BMP
  • JPEG
  • GIF
  • DICOM
  • TIF
  • PNG
  • THF

Parole chiave

  • Formati immagini
  • Immagini radiologiche
  • BMP
  • JPEG
  • GIF
  • DICOM
  • TIF
  • PNG
  • THF