5 Easy Steps to View an MRI CD

MRI CD

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are a safe and painless way to create detailed images of the inside of your body. They are often used to diagnose a variety of medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and stroke. In the past, it was only possible to view MRI CDs on a special machine in a doctor’s office or hospital. However, with the advent of new technology, it is now possible to view MRI CDs on your home computer.
If you have an MRI CD, you can view it on your home computer using a variety of software programs. One popular program is OsiriX, which is free and open source. Another option is MRIcro, which is also free but has a user interface that can be easier to use. Once you have installed the software, you can simply insert the MRI CD into your computer’s optical drive and open the software program.
Once the software program is open, you will need to import the MRI data from the CD. The software program will then create a three-dimensional image of your body that you can rotate and zoom in on. You can also use the software to create measurements and annotations on the images. This can be helpful for understanding the results of your MRI scan.

Insert the MRI CD into Your Computer

To view an MRI CD on your computer, you will first need to insert the CD into your computer’s disc drive. Once the CD is inserted, your computer should automatically detect it and open a window displaying the contents of the CD.

If the window does not open automatically, you can open it manually by clicking on the “My Computer” icon on your desktop. In the “My Computer” window, double-click on the CD drive icon to open the contents of the CD.

Once the CD is open, you should see a list of files and folders. The files and folders that you see will vary depending on the type of MRI scan that you had. However, there will typically be a folder called “DICOM” that contains the MRI images.

To view the MRI images, you will need to open the DICOM folder. Inside the DICOM folder, you will see a list of files with the extension “.dcm”. These files are the MRI images.

To view the MRI images, you can use a DICOM viewer. There are many different DICOM viewers available, both free and paid. Some popular DICOM viewers include:

DICOM Viewer	Price	Features
Osirix	Free	Open source, cross-platform
Horos	Free	Open source, cross-platform
3D Slicer	Free	Open source, cross-platform
Mango	Free	Open source, cross-platform
DICOMWorks	Paid	Commercial, cross-platform

Once you have chosen a DICOM viewer, you can open the MRI images by dragging and dropping them into the viewer window.

Open the MRI Viewer Software

Once you have the MRI CD, you will need to install the MRI viewer software on your computer. This software will allow you to view the MRI images on your computer monitor.

There are a number of different MRI viewer software programs available. You can download these programs from the Internet or from the manufacturer of your MRI scanner.

Once you have installed the MRI viewer software, you will need to open the program and import the MRI images from the CD.

Steps for Importing the MRI Images

Step	Action
1	Insert the MRI CD into your computer’s CD-ROM drive.
2	Open the MRI viewer software.
3	Click on the “File” menu and select “Import.”
4	Navigate to the MRI CD and select the MRI images that you want to import.
5	Click on the “Open” button.

The MRI images will now be imported into the MRI viewer software. You can now view the images on your computer monitor.

Locate the MRI Images

Identify the CD Drive

Eject the disc from the drive connected to your computer. Look for the label or name of the drive, such as “CD/DVD Drive” or “Optical Drive.” Note the drive letter associated with it, such as “E:” or “F:”.

Access the CD Contents

Insert the MRI CD back into the identified CD drive. Open the “File Explorer” (Windows) or “Finder” (Mac) window. Locate the drive letter corresponding to your CD drive and double-click on it to view the contents of the disc.

Identify MRI Image Files

The MRI CD may contain multiple folders and files. Look for a folder labeled “Images” or “DICOM Images.” DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) is a standard format for medical images, including MRIs.

Within the “Images” folder, you will find several subfolders organized by the type of MRI scan performed (e.g., “Axial”, “Sagittal”, “Coronal”). Each subfolder contains a series of image files, typically named with sequential numbers (e.g., “0001.dcm”, “0002.dcm”).

View MRI Images

To view the MRI images, select a specific image file and double-click on it. A third-party DICOM viewer software or a built-in image viewer on your computer may open the file, depending on the settings.

Use the scroll bar or navigation buttons to view the different slices of the MRI scan. Adjust the brightness and contrast settings if necessary to enhance the image clarity.

If you encounter difficulties viewing the images, consider downloading a free DICOM viewer such as Horos or OsiriX. These viewers provide advanced tools for manipulating and analyzing medical images.

Adjust the Image Settings

Once you have loaded the MRI CD into your computer, you can adjust the image settings to improve the visibility of the images. Here are some tips on how to do this:

1. Change the Window Level

The window level is a setting that adjusts the brightness and contrast of the image. A higher window level will make the image brighter, while a lower window level will make it darker. To change the window level, use the up and down arrow keys or the mouse wheel.

2. Change the Window Width

The window width is a setting that adjusts the range of brightness values that are displayed in the image. A wider window width will display a greater range of values, while a narrower window width will display a smaller range of values. To change the window width, use the left and right arrow keys or the mouse wheel.

3. Use the Zoom Tool

The zoom tool allows you to zoom in and out of the image. This can be helpful for getting a closer look at specific areas of the image. To use the zoom tool, click on the zoom button on the toolbar or use the mouse wheel.

4. Rotate the Image

You can rotate the image to get a better view of specific areas. To do this, click on the rotate button on the toolbar or use the keyboard shortcuts. The following table shows the keyboard shortcuts for rotating the image:

View the MRI Images in Different Planes

MRIs are typically acquired in three orthogonal planes: axial, sagittal, and coronal. Each plane provides a different perspective of the anatomy, and viewing the images in different planes can help to identify and characterize abnormalities.

Axial Plane

The axial plane is parallel to the transverse plane of the body. This plane is commonly used to view the brain, chest, and abdomen. The axial plane is also useful for evaluating the spine, as it provides a cross-sectional view of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs.

Sagittal Plane

The sagittal plane is parallel to the midline of the body. This plane is commonly used to view the head, neck, and spine. The sagittal plane is also useful for evaluating the heart, as it provides a view of the cardiac chambers and valves.

Coronal Plane

The coronal plane is perpendicular to both the axial and sagittal planes. This plane is commonly used to view the head, face, and neck. The coronal plane is also useful for evaluating the spine, as it provides a view of the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Oblique Planes

In addition to the three orthogonal planes, MRI images can also be acquired in oblique planes. Oblique planes are useful for visualizing certain structures that are not well-visualized in the axial, sagittal, or coronal planes. For example, an oblique plane can be used to visualize the pituitary gland, which is located in the sella turcica of the skull.

Table: MRI Plane Types

Plane	Orientation	Commonly Used for Viewing
Axial	Parallel to the transverse plane	Brain, chest, abdomen, spine
Sagittal	Parallel to the midline of the body	Head, neck, spine, heart
Coronal	Perpendicular to both the axial and sagittal planes	Head, face, neck, spine
Oblique	Not aligned with any of the orthogonal planes	Pituitary gland, other specific structures

Measure Distances and Angles

To measure distances on an MRI CD, you can use the “measure” tool in your viewing software. This tool will allow you to draw a line between two points on the image, and the software will display the length of the line. You can also measure angles by drawing a line between three points on the image, and the software will display the angle between the lines.

Here are the steps on how to measure distances and angles on an MRI CD:

Open the MRI CD in your viewing software.
Select the “measure” tool from the toolbar.
Draw a line between two points on the image.
The software will display the length of the line.
To measure an angle, draw a line between three points on the image.
The software will display the angle between the lines.

The following table shows the keyboard shortcuts for measuring distances and angles in some popular MRI viewing software:

Software	Measure Distance	Measure Angle
Osirix	Cmd + M	Cmd + A
3D Slicer	Ctrl + M	Ctrl + A
Horos	Cmd + Shift + M	Cmd + Shift + A

**Note:** The keyboard shortcuts may vary depending on the version of the software you are using.

Save the MRI Images

On the bottom of the screen, there will be a button or menu option that says “Save Images.” If you hover over the button, it will tell you where the images will be saved. Click on the button to save the images to your computer.

The images will be saved in a DICOM format. DICOM is a standard format for medical images. You will need a DICOM viewer to open and view the images.

There are many different DICOM viewers available. Some of the most popular viewers include:

Viewer	Platform
Osirix	Mac, Windows, Linux
Horos	Mac, Windows, Linux
3D Slicer	Mac, Windows, Linux

Once you have installed a DICOM viewer, you can open the MRI images. The viewer will allow you to view the images in 2D or 3D. You can also use the viewer to make measurements and annotations on the images.

Share the MRI Images with Others

There are multiple ways to share MRI images with others:

1. Cloud-Based Services

Several cloud-based services allow you to upload and share MRI images securely. Some popular options include Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive.

2. PACS System

If you have access to a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), you can typically share MRI images through the system’s web interface.

3. Email

If the MRI images are small enough, you can email them directly to others. However, it’s important to consider the privacy and security implications of sending medical images via email.

4. USB Drive

You can save the MRI images to a USB drive and give it to someone else. This is a simple and secure way to share images, but it may not be convenient if the recipient is not nearby.

5. CD or DVD

Burning the MRI images to a CD or DVD is another way to share them physically. However, it’s becoming less common due to the increasing use of USB drives and cloud-based services.

6. DICOM Viewer

DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) viewers allow you to view and share MRI images. Some popular viewers include OsiriX, Horos, and 3D Slicer.

7. Online Viewing Platforms

There are online platforms that allow you to upload and view MRI images. These platforms typically provide tools for image manipulation and annotation.

8. Secure File Transfer Services

Secure file transfer services can be used to share MRI images in a secure and HIPAA-compliant manner. These services typically require both the sender and recipient to have accounts.

Service	Features
Dropbox	User-friendly interface 2GB of free storage Advanced sharing permissions
Google Drive	Integrated with Gmail and other Google services 15GB of free storage Collaborate on documents with others
Microsoft OneDrive	Connected to Windows operating system 5GB of free storage Integration with Office 365

Step 1: Gather Required Materials

You will need the MRI CD, a computer with a CD-ROM drive, and software to view the MRI images. The software may come on the CD or you may need to download it separately.

Step 2: Insert the MRI CD

Insert the MRI CD into the CD-ROM drive on your computer.

Step 3: Find the Software

If the software is not automatically launched, open the CD-ROM drive and look for a file named “Setup.exe” or similar. Double-click the file to install the software.

Step 4: Open the MRI Images

Once the software is installed, open it and click on the “Open” button. Navigate to the CD-ROM drive and select the MRI image files. The images will typically have a “.dicom” or “.mri” extension.

Step 5: View the MRI Images

The MRI images will appear on the screen in a series of slices. You can use the mouse to scroll through the slices and adjust the zoom level.

Step 6: Adjust the Brightness and Contrast

You can use the Brightness and Contrast sliders to adjust the appearance of the images. This can help you to see the details of the MRI scan more clearly.

Step 7: Save the MRI Images

You can save the MRI images to your computer by clicking on the “Save” button. Select a file format and save the images to a location on your computer.

Interpret the MRI Images (optional)

If you are a medical professional, you may be able to interpret the MRI images yourself. However, it is always best to consult with a doctor to get a professional opinion.

The following table provides a general overview of the different types of MRI images and what they can show:

Image Type	What it Shows
T1-weighted	Shows the structure of the brain and other tissues
T2-weighted	Shows the amount of water in the brain and other tissues
T3-weighted	Shows the blood flow in the brain
Diffusion tensor imaging	Shows the direction of water diffusion in the brain

Consult with a Radiologist (optional)

If you have any questions about the images or report, you can schedule an appointment with a radiologist for an interpretation. They can provide detailed explanations and answer any concerns you may have.

Insert the CD into Your Computer’s Disc Drive

Locate the disc drive on your computer. Gently insert the MRI CD into the drive.

Open the File Browser or Explorer

On a PC, open File Explorer. On a Mac, open Finder.

Locate the MRI Files

Navigate to the disc drive where the MRI CD is inserted. Look for a folder named “DICOM” or “.dcm”. This folder contains the MRI images.

Choose a DICOM Viewer

There are several software programs available that can open DICOM files. Choose a viewer that is compatible with your operating system and preferences.

Install the DICOM Viewer

If you don’t have a DICOM viewer already installed, download and install one from a reputable source.

Open the DICOM Viewer

Launch the DICOM viewer on your computer.

Import the MRI Images

Select the option to import or open files. Navigate to the “DICOM” or “.dcm” folder on the MRI CD. Select the MRI images you want to view.

Adjust the Image Settings (Optional)

Depending on the viewer, you may have options to adjust the brightness, contrast, and other settings to enhance the visibility of the images.

View the MRI Images

Use the tools provided in the viewer to navigate through the MRI images. You can zoom in, pan, and rotate the images to examine them from different perspectives.

How to View an MRI CD

To view an MRI CD, you will need a computer with a CD-ROM drive and software that can read the CD. If you do not have the necessary software, you can download it from the internet. Once you have the software installed, you can insert the MRI CD into the computer’s CD-ROM drive and open the software. The software will then display the MRI images on your computer screen.

You can use the software to zoom in and out of the images, rotate them, and adjust the brightness and contrast. You can also use the software to measure the size and location of lesions. Some software programs also allow you to create 3D reconstructions of the MRI images.

Once you have finished viewing the MRI images, you can save the images to your computer’s hard drive or burn them to a new CD.