Secure Medical Imaging: A DICOM to JPEG 2000 Conversion Algorithm with Integrated Encryption

This study aims to develop a secure and effective framework for converting DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) to JPEG 2000 to protect the integrity of medical images. The proposed approach uses Python tools to convert DICOM data to the JPEG 2000 format, using AES encryption and SHA-256 for key generation in CBC mode. Our results indicate that the proposed framework enhances data confidentiality by reducing unauthorized access risk, image quality, compression efficiency, and decryption reliability. The findings with the conversion to JPEG 2000 format for storage efficiency were raised by 79.9% while keeping the quality of the diagnostic photographs. Private medical data was insulated from illegal access by AES encryption. Decryption tests confirmed that the original image could be restored without losing diagnostic information, and using CBC mode increased security by encrypting each image independently. This combined approach encourages improved management of medical images by tackling the problems of size and security in healthcare settings and adds robustness to digital confidentiality. The framework is applicable to connect with PACS to improve data management and be used to safely archive medical pictures.