Characteristics of a Hybrid Image Archiving and Communication System Serving a Neurological-Neurosurgical Facility

Abstract

The Clinical Images Database (BIC) is an archive of clinical images for medical care and research. Objective: To describe the characteristics of and requirements for the creation of a BIC in a tertiary center in Northeastern Brazil. Methods: Technological advances allow for long-term storage of clinical images and retrieval according to clinical needs. With the patient consent and image anonymousness, the database can be used for research. It allows measurements/comparisons, reconstruction/ deconstruction and analysis of anatomical, clinical and pathological variables. The specific infrastructure and image capture and storage requirements for a BIC used for clinical and research purposes are analyzed. Results: Image capture and storage: Comprises centralization of X-ray, CT, MRI and angiography data through the network to a server. An anonymous version of each set of studies must be available for use in research. External backup is needed. Visualization: Comprises the user interface and includes stations for viewing and data processing. Maintenance: A technical team assists users and manages the system, troubleshooting problems, registering users and performing regular audits. An external committee supervised the creation of the BIC, and continues to review its progress. Conclusions: The present study could serve as a basis for the creation of similar clinical databases for research use