Andre Martins Pereira MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Mostafa Atri MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Martin E. O'Malley MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Patrik Rogalla MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Building a teaching file in our radiology program was a project for a long time, but had not yet been implemented due to several factors. We decided to implement RSNA's MIRC (Medical Imaging Resource Center) on Linux installed on a Raspberry Pi, which had not yet been done.

We used the Raspberry Pi to act as the server. It features a 700MHz ARM chip and 512 MB of RAM. We attached a 1 TB external hard drive to add storage space. We installed Debian Linux as the operational system and then proceeded to install MIRC. Although MIRC does not demand a separate web server software to work, we installed Apache and MySQL in in order to have a fully functional web server, able to host additional webpages and run automated tasks via PHP scripts. The administrator is responsible for general MIRC administration (adding users, etc.) and also for checking uploaded cases and having them approved for public viewing.

Having a case-based teaching file in our department was perceived as complex and expensive. The use of open-source software and RSNA's MIRC installed on a low-cost Raspberry Pi allowed us to overcome initial fears of spending significant amounts of money on an initiative we didn't know would be successful. Case loading time was comparable to other MIRC sites available on the Internet. Administration of the server is virtually non-existent, as most of tasks are automated. Administration of MIRC itself is very straightforward and basically consists in adding new users to the usertable and checking new cases to make sure no patient information is present before being published. Overall satifaction with the system was very good.

We were successful in installing and running RSNA's MIRC on a Raspberry Pi. Two servers were assembled, one acting as a backup. The total cost for each of the servers was around $150.00. The setup is a good alternative to a full-size server for educational purposes and allows a department to have a teaching file of its own at a reasonably low cost, important for educational institutions especially in developing countries. It also allows for an excellent environment for testing the feasibility of pilot educational or research projects.

http://abstract.rsna.org/uploads/2014/14012531/14012531_bpvu.jpg

Pereira, A, Atri, M, O'Malley, M, Rogalla, P, Putting Together a Low-cost, High Performance Server for Radiology Teaching Files Using RSNA's MIRC Installed on a Raspberry Pi Control Board.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14012531.html