Evolution of picture archiving and communication systems--1989

Several areas of partial picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) applications such as teleradiology, nuclear medicine, archiving modules, and systems for handling computed tomography and magnetic resonance digital data are mentioned prior to the discussion of a fully functional PACS system. Some of the present and future social implications of PACS are reviewed. Experience to date with a pilot system called MicroRSTAR at the Massachusetts General Hospital is described.