DCM File Extension

What is the .DCM file type?

The primary association of the .dcm extension belongs to the DICOM Image (DCM) file format and the respective file type. DICOM stands for Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine. DICOM is the standard format to save and process examination data in MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), PET (Positron Emission Tomography), CT (Computerized Tomography), etc. DICOM reports are saved as .dcm files.

A .dcm file is an examination report file that contains actual images made with an appropriate medical imaging device (X-Ray, MRI, ultrasonic scanner, etc.), along with extensive metadata. DCM files are supposed to contain all relevant information about the patient, clinic, imaging device, examination procedure, settings, etc. A .dcm file typically contains a series of images taken in sequence ("slices").

A number of dedicated free and commercial utilities can open DICOM (.dcm) files and display the contained images. Also, the DCM format is supported by several multi-purpose image-processing tools (e.g., ImageMagick) and viewers. With the use of converters, DCM images can be transformed into BMP, PNG, GIF, or JPG.

Besides, the .dcm extension is used in conjunction with backup metadata files (.dcm) created and used by Memeo AutoBackup, a data backup engine that provides core functionality in several data-backup utilities by certain hard-drive manufacturers (e.g., Seagate, Western Digital).

A .dcm file is a small (~1 Kb) hidden binary file with service data such as name and path, timestamp, etc. For each file being backed up, an individual .dcm file is automatically created at destination. Such .dcm files are used by the Memeo backup engine to control the backup process, and should not be manually removed.

With reference to DiskCatalogMaker, a directory description utility for Mac OS X by Fujiwara Software, the .dcm extension denotes the DiskCatalogMaker Catalog (DCM) file format/type. A .dcm file contains a detailed, formatted listing of a directory (or directories) a proprietary format, and such .dcm files can be read/opened with DiskCatalogMaker only. From within DiskCatalogMaker, contents of a .dcm file can be exported to standard formats.

Lastly, the .dcm extension can also be encountered in association with the Digital City Map (DCM) file format and type used with CityGuide, a multi-platform Russian GPS navigation solution by MIT, Ltd. DCM is the default area map format in older CityGuide versions (5.x), currently replaced by CGMAP. A .dcm file is a layered container file that holds multiple GIS data for a certain area.

Software to open or convert DCM files

IrfanView by Irfan Skiljan

 

IrfanView

 

GNU Image Manipulation Program

 

RadiAnt DICOM Viewer by Medixant

 

JiveX DICOM Viewer Light by VISUS Technology Transfer GmbH

 

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