Virtual monitors and desktops: a pictorial essay on what radiodiagnosis could become

Efren Murillo-Zamora, Clinical Epidemiology Research Unit, IMSS, Villa de Alvarez, Colima, Mexico;
Jose E. Velazquez-Amador, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jalisco, México;
Isis Perez-Oseguera, Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Imaging, Hospital General de Zona No. 1, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) Colima, Villa de Alvarez, Colima, Mexico;
Kitzia M. Gonzalez-Esqueda, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences, Universidad de Colima, Colima, México;
Nelson A. Milanes-Gonzalez, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences, Universidad de Colima, Colima, México;

Radiology has evolved with technological innovation, and virtual reality (VR) is an emerging tool in diagnostic imaging workflows. This pictorial essay explores VR-based workstations and virtual monitors in radiology. It describes how immersive environments may complement conventional reading rooms. VR head-mounted displays (HMDs) enable customizable three-dimensional workspaces where radiologists can view multiple virtual monitors, modify spatial layouts, and collaborate remotely in real time. Current applications, including web-based picture archiving and communication system (PACS) platforms and integrated remote desktop functionality, demonstrate the utility of image visualization and interpretation in immersive environments. Potential advantages include workspace flexibility, portability, reduced physical space requirements, and remote collaboration. However, important limitations include display resolution, luminance performance, field of view, image legibility, visual fatigue, and limited validation for diagnostic interpretation. Although preliminary evidence suggests comparable diagnostic performance between VR and conventional monitors for selected imaging tasks, available studies are limited. As VR technology evolves, immersive workstations may become complementary tools within radiology workflows and teleradiology environments. Further research is needed to assess diagnostic accuracy, ergonomic effects, workflow efficiency, user comfort, and cost-effectiveness before broader clinical implementation, and to establish appropriate technical standards for safe, reliable use in routine clinical practice.

Keywords: Virtual reality. Radiology. Computer peripherals. Telediagnosis.