Raspberry Pi: a 35-dollar device for viewing DICOM images.

Raspberry Pi is a low-cost computer created with educational purposes. It uses Linux and, most of times, freeware applications, particularly a software for viewing DICOM images. With an external monitor, the supported resolution (1920 × 1200 pixels) allows for the set up of simple viewing workstations at a reduced cost.

Raspberry Pi (Figure 1) is a computer developed by Raspberry Pi Foundation, a British charity organization(, with the purpose of stimulating the study of computer science(. The computer components were selected in a way to optimize the cost of the device. It is a quite simple instrument, but capable of accomplishing several specific tasks.

Figure 1

Raspberry Pi (personal file).

The growth of costs in radiology( has led to an increasing effort to optimize expenses(. Sometimes, technology can help to reduce such expenses(. Two Raspberry Pi features are remarkable in such an aspect: its weight of 45 grams and, mainly, its price, corresponding to USD 35.00(.

There is no hard disk in the Raspberry Pi, and the operational system as well as all the files are stored in a SD card. The device has a high definition video output supporting display monitors up to 2.2 megapixels (HDMI, 1920 × 1200 pixels) and a second RCA video output. There are eight programmable GPIO (general purpose input/output) pins which may, for example, be connected with sensors, engines or relays (electrically operated switches) to control other devices.

Contrary to the increasing use of expensive computers which end up being underutilized, Raspberry Pi does not include any peripheral device; and, in such a case, it is necessary to separately acquire a common power source with a micro-USB output and other items as necessary (keyboard, mouse, monitor and other adaptors).

The supported operational systems utilize Linux platform and most of them are freeware and open source. There is an immense freedom for customization of the device and of its functions by means of the Python programming language.

There are some applications for viewing DICOM files, such as Aeskulap(. Most of them are simple softwares from which one should not expect advanced resources, but they play their role perfectly as DICOM files viewers, whether such files come from radiography, mammography, ultrasonography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

With an external display monitor utilizing the maximum resolution supported by the Raspberry Pi, it is possible to assemble a simple image viewer workstation that is at least reasonable for the tasks of a non-radiologist physician, with an incomparable cost-benefit ratio. The Raspberry Pi would be useful for the dissemination of images viewer workstations throughout large institutions, consequently contributing for a reduction of the significant images printing costs(.

Because of its vast capacity for customization, Raspberry Pi is an instrument which deserves deep study, considering that its impact on radiology costs may be significant.