What is the difference between an MRI and a CT scan?
Both MRI and CT scans make cross-sectional images (slices) of areas of the body using a sophisticated computer system. The major difference is that an MRI uses a large magnet and radio waves to produce images, whereas a CT scanner uses x-rays. There is, therefore, no exposure to x-rays in an MRI scan. MRI scanning is very sensitive to motion during the scanning procedure, in some instances, CT scanning is therefore preferable if the patient is unable to stay still.
Both MRI and CT scans make cross-sectional images (slices) of almost any area of the body using a sophisticated computer system. The major difference is that an MRI uses a large magnet and radio waves to produce images while a CT scanner uses x-rays. Therefore, with the MRI studies, there is no exposure to x-rays. Both systems complement each other well as they both have their inherent strengths and weaknesses; however, CT usually can only directly acquire transverse (or crosswise) images, whereas MRI can directly acquire slices in any plane. In addition, MRI is superior when it comes to soft tissue contrast, and there are no known side effects. The ability to view pictures from multiple directions, high tissue contrast, and absence of x-rays make MRI a very powerful and increasingly popular imaging tool.
Both MRI and CT scans provide detailed pictures of areas of the body that used to be inaccessible by conventional x-rays. They use a sophisticated computer system to make cross-sectional pictures of areas of the body being scanned. The major difference between CT and MRI, is that an MRI uses a large magnet and radio waves to produce images, whereas a CT scanner uses x-rays. There is, therefore, no exposure to x-rays in an MRI scan. Because MRI scanning is very sensitive to movement during the scanning procedure, CT scanning can be preferable in some circumstances if the patient is unable to stay still.
Both MRI and CT scans make cross-sectional images (slices) of pretty much any area of the body using a sophisticated computer system. The major difference is that an MRI uses a large magnet and radio waves to produce images while a CT scanner uses x-rays. Therefore, with the MRI studies, there is no exposure to x-rays. Both systems complement each other well as they both have their inherent strengths and weaknesses; however, CT usually can only directly acquire transverse (or crosswise) images, whereas MRI can directly acquire slices in any plane. In addition, MRI is superior when it comes to soft tissue contrast, and there are no known side effects. The ability to view pictures from multiple directions, high tissue contrast, and lack of x-rays make MRI a very powerful and increasingly popular imaging tool. Please note, MRI is very sensitive to motion during the acquisition of pictures and, in some instances, CT is preferable if the patient is unable to hold still.
