ezDICOM: Lightweight Tool for Viewing and Inspecting DICOM Files
Context
ezDICOM is one of the older open-source DICOM viewers still in circulation. It’s not flashy, and it doesn’t try to compete with modern 3D-capable systems, but it has earned a reputation for being small, quick to set up, and reliable for basic image viewing. Many dental schools and smaller practices still keep it around because it runs on almost any Windows workstation and doesn’t require heavy hardware. It’s often used as a teaching tool, or as a lightweight backup viewer when more advanced solutions are unavailable.
Technical Profile (Table)
| Area | Details |
| Platform | Windows desktop application. |
| Stack | Written in C++ with a compact footprint. |
| Imaging | Handles standard DICOM images: X-rays, CT, CBCT. |
| Features | Pan, zoom, grayscale adjustments, basic measurements, export to BMP/JPEG. |
| Integration | Standalone; can open local files or CD-ROM exports from imaging devices. |
| Interoperability | Limited — no advanced PACS networking; focused on local studies. |
| Authentication | None; runs locally on workstation. |
| Security | Depends entirely on Windows OS settings. |
| Data handling | Loads images from disk or removable media. |
| License | Open-source (GPL). |
| Maintenance | Very low; project is stable but not actively developed. |
Installation Guide
1. System prep
– Windows 7/10/11 workstation.
– No special runtime needed; installer is lightweight.
2. Download and install
– Get the ezDICOM installer from the official project page or archives.
– Run setup and follow wizard defaults.
3. First run
– Launch the viewer and open sample DICOM files.
– Adjust default settings for grayscale or layout.
4. Optional configuration
– Set default folder paths for CD imports.
– Configure export options (BMP/JPEG).
5. Maintenance
– No major upkeep; just OS patching.
– Clear temp files if storage runs short.
Scenarios (Dental Use)
– A dental practice uses ezDICOM to quickly view radiographs from portable imaging devices.
– A university lab installs it on student PCs to demonstrate the basics of DICOM handling.
– A rural clinic keeps it as a backup viewer when PACS or heavier software is unavailable.
Workflow (Admin View)
1. Install ezDICOM on Windows desktops.
2. Point the viewer to CD-ROMs or folders with patient images.
3. Train staff on basic functions: open, zoom, measure, export.
4. Use as secondary viewer when PACS is down.
Strengths / Weak Points
Strengths
– Extremely lightweight and fast to install.
– Runs on modest Windows hardware.
– Perfect for teaching and quick image checks.
– Simple and stable.
Weak Points
– No advanced PACS integration.
– Very limited toolset compared to modern viewers.
– Windows-only.
– Development largely inactive.
Why It Matters
Even though it’s an older project, ezDICOM still fills a role. It provides a no-frills way to open and review dental images, especially in places where modern viewers are overkill. For administrators, it’s a low-maintenance fallback: install once, keep on hand, and know that staff can still access patient images if other systems go offline.
