What is the difference between MRI and CT Scan?
One of the most basic differences between the two tests is that CT Scanning uses x-rays and MRI does not. In most situations, MRI is superior to CT in the demonstration of soft tissue pathology. Your doctor can best advise which test would be most appropriate for you. Advantages of CT Usually faster scanning times Usable in patients with pacemakers and non-removable implants Better visualization of chest and abdomen areas. Disadvantages of CT Uses x-ray Chance of allergic reaction to intravenously administered dye. Advantages of MRI No X-rays Best for imaging Spine, Joints, Pituitary Tumors, and Multiple Sclerosis Reduces anxiety for claustrophobic patients (Open MRI Systems) Able to scan large patients (Open MRI Systems) Disadvantages of MRI Longer scanning times Patients with pacemakers, intra-cerebral aneurysm clips, can not be scanned.
The CAT (Computerized Axial Tomography) scan, also known as the CT (computed tomography) scan, is an x-ray technique that produces a film representing a detailed cross section of tissue structure.he standard CT scan procedure is painless, noninvasive, and requires no special preparation. In this test, a computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT) scanner is used to produce a series of cross-sectional x-ray images of a selected part of the body. A computer operates the scanner, and the resulting picture represents a slice of the body. Areas above and below the chosen slice do not appear on the image. The computer can combine the information in several slices to create other images of the structures inside the body. These images can detect many conditions that cannot be seen in regular x-rays. It takes the machine only a few seconds to photograph each slice, and 10 to 30 slices are usually taken. The computer then displays the chosen slice on a TV screen. Information from several slices ca
