1. To demonstrate a case database system that can be accessed through a web browser and allows images to be sent to it directly from the PACS workstation, created using free open source software.
2. To discuss the open source components (mySQL, PHP, Apache web server) used in creating the case database.

Purpose: Our goal was to create on a limited budget a case database system that would allow case entry from our PACS system. It would allow images to be sent to a server, be converted to a format which can be displayed in a web browser, and allow case information to be entered/updated/viewed/searched from within any web browser. This presentation will demonstrate such a system as well as discuss the open source software used.
Materials and Methods: The free open source software used in this project were the mySQL database, the Apache web server, and the PHP scripting language. The scripting language JavaScript, as well as HTML, Macromedia Dreamweaver and the free text editor, Vim were used. A DICOM server program was written in Java and the database runs on a Windows 2000 server.
Discussion and Conclusion: A case database, which can be used efficiently with minimal effect on workflow, can be designed for little cost, using freely available free software.