A comparison of state-of-the-art technologies for irreversible compression of large medical datasets

In this work we compare state-of-the-art 3D coding technologies which are suitable for compression of 3D (volumetric) medical imagery. Our aim is to assess the usage of these methods on representative large datasets, also keeping into account relevant features related to modern application requirements. This work wants to be a useful reference for those interested in medical image coding technologies evaluation and, more in general, in the interdisciplinary debate about the usage of irreversible compression technologies for an improved and cost effective handling of diagnostic imaging processes and infrastructures (PACS, teleradiology) involving large datasets. Reproducibility and possible extension of this study are guaranteed by the use of publicly available reference software and datasets.