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DICOM Import

The DICOM Import dialog provides specialized tools for loading medical imaging data in DICOM format. It supports series detection, slice preview, metadata inspection, anonymization, and advanced series refinement for complex acquisitions.

Medical Use Disclaimer

Volvicon is not a regulated medical device. It has not been cleared by the FDA, CE-marked, or approved by other regulatory bodies for clinical diagnosis, treatment planning, or any medical decision-making purpose.

Results from Volvicon should not be used for clinical decisions without validation by qualified healthcare professionals using approved devices.

You are responsible for:

  • Compliance with local privacy regulations (HIPAA, GDPR, etc.)
  • Appropriate handling of protected health information (PHI)
  • Application of anonymization when required
  • Validation of results before any clinical use

Dialog Overview​

The DICOM Import dialog contains the following sections:

SectionPurpose
Directory SelectionBrowse to and load DICOM files from a folder
Series TableView detected series with metadata; select series to import
PreviewScroll through slices of the selected series
Data TabsInspect DICOM tags and file paths for the selected series
OptionsConfigure anonymization and window/level behavior

Workflow: Basic DICOM Import​

  1. Open the DICOM Import dialog via File → New → DICOM Images or File → Import → DICOM Images
  2. Click Browse to select a directory containing DICOM files
  3. Click Load to scan the directory (and subdirectories) for DICOM series
  4. Review the detected series in the Series table
  5. Select the series to import by clicking its row
  6. Preview slices using the slider to verify correct data
  7. Configure options (anonymization, window/level)
  8. Click Open to import the selected series

Series Detection and Selection​

Series Table Columns​

The series table displays key metadata for each detected series:

ColumnDescription
Series #DICOM Series Number
ModalityImaging modality (CT, MR, etc.)
Study DateDate the study was acquired
Series DateDate the series was acquired
Patient IDPatient identifier (anonymized if option enabled)
Study Instance UIDUnique identifier for the study
FilesNumber of DICOM files in the series

Multi-Series Selection for 4D Data​

When multiple series share compatible geometry (same dimensions, spacing, and orientation), you can multi-select them for 4D import:

  1. Hold Ctrl and click to select multiple series
  2. Each selected series becomes a time frame in a single 4D volume
  3. The series must have matching geometry for valid 4D assembly
note

Multi-selection is only enabled for series with compatible geometry. If series cannot be combined, multi-selection is disabled.

4D Import Scope and Current Limitations​

When a compatible multi-series selection is imported, Volvicon stores the selected series as frames in a single volume object. This enables playback in Cine Loop.

Current 4D Support Scope

4D support is currently limited to the imported volume object.

  • Cine loop playback is available for volume objects only
  • Masks, surfaces, and volume meshes do not store synchronized 4D frame sets
  • Most tools operate on the current active 3D frame, not on the entire time sequence

Workflow: Import a 4D DICOM Series for Cine Loop​

  1. Load the DICOM directory and review the detected series
  2. Hold Ctrl and select the compatible series that belong to the time sequence
  3. Verify slice preview and metadata before import
  4. Click Open to create a single volume object with multiple stored frames
  5. Open Cine Loop from the View tab to review the imported sequence
tip

If you plan to use Cine Loop after import, keep the 4D sequence unchanged until review is complete. Geometry-changing operations can invalidate the stored frames.

Series Refinement​

Complex DICOM directories may contain mixed acquisitions that share the same Series Instance UID but represent different phases, orientations, or acquisition parameters. Use Subrefine series to add filtering criteria that separate these into distinct series.

Workflow: Refining Series​

  1. Click Subrefine series... below the Series table
  2. In the Refine dialog, select additional DICOM tags to use as separation criteria:
CategoryAvailable Tags
DescriptiveStudy Description, Series Description, Patient's Name, Protocol Name
AcquisitionAcquisition Number, Image Orientation (Patient)
TemporalTrigger Time, Echo Time, Repetition Time, Acquisition Time, Series Time, Content Time, Delta Start Time
SequenceFlip Angle
  1. Click OK to re-analyze the directory with the additional criteria
  2. The Series table updates to show refined series separation
tip

Use series refinement when:

  • A folder contains multiple scan phases (arterial, venous, delayed)
  • Different orientations are mixed in the same series
  • Time-resolved acquisitions need separation by acquisition time

Slice Preview​

The preview panel displays slices from the currently selected series:

  • Slider: Scroll through slices from first to last
  • Spin Box: Enter a specific slice number for direct navigation

The preview uses DICOM window/level values when available, showing the data as it would appear in a DICOM viewer.

Data Inspection​

Two tabs provide detailed information about the selected series:

DICOM Tags Tab​

Displays the DICOM metadata (tags) from the selected series. Common tags include:

TagDescription
Patient NamePatient identifier
Study DescriptionDescription of the imaging study
Series DescriptionDescription of the series
ModalityCT, MR, US, etc.
Pixel SpacingIn-plane pixel dimensions
Slice ThicknessDistance between slices
Window Center/WidthDefault display window/level

Files Tab​

Lists all DICOM files that comprise the selected series, including file paths. This helps verify that the correct files are included and identifies the source locations.

Import Options​

Anonymize DICOM Tags​

Default: Enabled

When enabled, Volvicon removes identifying information from the imported DICOM metadata according to the application-level confidentiality profile. This includes patient name, ID, birth date, and other identifying tags.

warning

Anonymization removes identifiers from DICOM tags stored in the project file. It does not:

  • Remove burned-in annotations in pixel data
  • Affect the original DICOM files on disk
  • Guarantee complete de-identification for all use cases

For regulated environments, validate that your anonymization requirements are fully met.

Disabling anonymization displays a privacy warning. Only disable this option when you have explicit authorization to retain identifiable information.

Do Not Import DICOM Tags​

Default: Disabled

When enabled, only pixel data is imported—no DICOM metadata is stored in the project. This option:

  • Completely omits metadata storage
  • Disables the anonymization option (nothing to anonymize)
  • May affect features that rely on DICOM metadata

Use this option for maximum metadata stripping when no DICOM information should be retained.

Use DICOM Window and Level​

Default: Enabled

When enabled, Volvicon applies the window center and width values from the DICOM metadata to the preview and imported volume. This displays the data using the acquisition device's recommended viewing parameters.

When disabled (or if DICOM window/level tags are absent), Volvicon computes optimal window/level values from the actual image intensities.

Best Practices​

Before Import​

  1. Organize DICOM files: Keep series in dedicated folders for cleaner detection
  2. Review metadata: Check for mixed acquisitions that may need refinement
  3. Verify orientation: Preview slices to confirm expected anatomy

Privacy Considerations​

  1. Enable anonymization unless you have specific authorization to retain identifiers
  2. Review the project before sharing to ensure no identifying information persists
  3. Follow institutional policies for handling medical imaging data

Multi-Modality Studies​

When importing multiple imaging modalities into a single project:

  1. Import each modality separately using the DICOM Import dialog
  2. Verify alignment in orthogonal views
  3. Use registration tools if spatial alignment is required

Working with Imported 4D Volumes​

  1. Use Cine Loop to review the time sequence before running crop, resample, or similar geometry-changing operations
  2. Pause on the frame of interest before using tools that operate on the current active volume
  3. Re-import the 4D dataset if you need cine playback after a geometry-changing edit
warning

If the active volume geometry changes after 4D import, Volvicon clears the stored frames and keeps the current active volume image. This prevents playback of frames that no longer match the modified geometry.

Troubleshooting​

No Series Detected​

  • Verify the directory contains valid DICOM files
  • Check that files have .dcm extension or valid DICOM headers
  • Try a parent directory if files are in subdirectories

Series Appear Mixed or Incorrect​

  • Use Subrefine series to add separation criteria
  • Check for multiple acquisitions in the same folder
  • Verify that DICOM files haven't been renamed or modified

Preview Shows Incorrect Orientation​

  • DICOM orientation is determined by Image Orientation (Patient) tags
  • Some acquisitions may have non-standard orientation metadata
  • Apply transforms after import if needed

Import Fails​

  • Check available system memory for large series
  • Verify read permissions for the DICOM files
  • Check for corrupted DICOM files in the series

Imported 4D Frames Are No Longer Available​

  • Check whether the volume was cropped, resampled, padded, or otherwise modified after import
  • Review the status bar for the frame-cleared notification
  • Re-import the 4D series if you need Cine Loop playback again