Differences between MRI and CT scan

2021-04-28Last Updated: 2021-04-30

In the past, due to the lack of adequate medical facilities, it was tough to diagnose the disease, and doctors could not diagnose the disease in time and start the treatment process. With the advancement of medical science and the invention of advanced tools in medicine today, conditions are easier to diagnose, and patients begin the healing process faster. MRI and CT scan are accurate imaging techniques that are an integral part of diagnosing and even treating many diseases today, but what is the difference between these two imaging methods and their difference?

What is an MRI?

MRI is a medical imaging technique used to diagnose certain diseases. In this imaging technique, the patient is placed in the field of a device that produces harmless waves and magnets, and several images are taken from the internal tissues of his body to diagnose the disease.

What is a CT scan?

CT scan or computed tomography is an advanced medical imaging technique that helps physicians diagnose diseases. CT scan uses X-rays and computer information received from the patient to obtain accurate images of internal body tissues. CT scans are beneficial in examining lesions in the human locomotor system, especially bones. CT scan does not take much time, and the images are very high quality.

The difference between CT scan and MRI

CT scan is done with X-rays and takes pictures of the inside of the body. But MRI is a magnetic resonance imaging that uses radio waves and magnets to produce very accurate images of the inside of the body.

X-rays are used for CT scans, but MRI is not used and provides more accurate information about internal organs and soft tissues such as the brain, skeletal system, reproductive system, and other organ systems. It is more accurate than a CT scan.

CT scan is performed quickly and painlessly and without any incisions in the body.

An MRI can be done without an incision, but it usually makes a lot of noise, takes longer, and may cause anxiety because it is in a secure place inside the device.

Each CT scan takes 2 to 5 minutes, while an MRI takes 15 to 20 minutes.

MRI is more expensive than a CT scan.

MRI can cause damage and problems due to the presence of powerful magnets.

Carrying metal objects and a bank card is prohibited, but having metal objects on a CT scan is safe; it may damage the image.

CT scan is a combination of X-ray images taken from different angles and used by a computer to create X-ray images. Still, MRI is a scan in which the radio waves provide more accurate images of the tissue. And build bones.

Which method is safer?

CT and MRI are generally both safe. However, some people may also have problems.

Unlike CT scans, MRI does not use X-rays, and this method uses radio waves with radio frequency, so that even during pregnancy, MRI can be done, but during pregnancy, C T-scan is prohibited.

But in general, this should not be done in patients with coronary artery disease, and the doctor should determine that MRI is not dangerous in such cases. In some people, this blockage may cause bleeding.

Another problem with MRI is that any metal object can react to it.

All metal objects or oxygen pores should be away from the MRI machine as they may stick to magnets in the body and cause injury or even death, but a CT scan does not have these problems. It is only possible during pregnancy. Do not be considered safe.

What is a CT scan?

What diseases can CT scans and MRIs diagnose?

CT scan is used to diagnose the following:

Brain imaging to distinguish between types of strokes

Assess head injuries, especially facial injuries

Help diagnose heartburn or pain in the pelvis, stomach, small intestine, and other internal organs.

Determining the cause of unknown pain in the body

It can also show broken bones.

MRI is also done for accurate images of organs, soft tissues, and other areas that are not easily visible.

Can cancer be diagnosed with a CT scan or MRI?

Cancer is diagnosed through tissue biopsy. CT scans and MRIs can show tumors that look like cancerous tumors but are not accurate diagnostic tools. However, they can determine the best location for a biopsy or biopsy. Also, if you are diagnosed with cancer, your doctor can do this test to find out exactly where cancer has spread.

Can CT scans and MRIs show bony parts of the body?

Both can see the bony structures of the body and create good images of them.

What can a CT scan show that an MRI cannot do?

Most current MRI machines cannot quickly scan the brain and show the cause of the stroke. CT scans are generally a faster procedure and an excellent diagnostic tool in emergencies, but MRI is often used in non-emergency situations to examine images in more detail.