Neuroimaging services on the net

Abstract

The present paper reports a research project aimed at developing a cluster of clinical Institutions to share data and expertise in the fields of computational neuroanatomy. In particular, our first results concern a network system to transfer magnetic resonance (MR) images, explore and use Voxel-Based Morphometry (VBM)-based reports in four remote clinical settings. The cluster is composed of a central unit for the recording and processing of MR images, and peripheral federated units. The former is LENITEM -Lab of Epidemiology, Neuroimaging and TEleMedicine- Brescia, Italy; the latter are clinical units usually treating patients with neurodegenerative diseases. The cluster is meant to be grounded on a network infrastructure, providing services to the units: the first service to be designed and realised is VBM. The peripheral (client) units transfer MR images to the central one; here they are processed and analysed; a VBM-based report is made available, within a few hours, to the client unit. Neuroimaging techniques give rise to network services provided on demand.