CT vs MRI – Difference and Comparison

What is CT?

Computed Tomography, also known as CT, is a medical imaging procedure that uses special X-ray equipment to create detailed images of the inside of the body.

CT is used to diagnose problems with the bones, muscles, and organs. It can also be used to guide procedures such as biopsies and surgeries.

The scans are quick and painless. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis, which means you won’t have to stay overnight in the hospital. The scans are covered by insurance.

During a CT scan, you will lie on a table that slides into the CT scanner. The CT scanner is a large machine with a doughnut-shaped hole in the middle. You will be asked to hold very still while the CT scanner takes pictures. The CT scan will take about 10 minutes.

You should not experience any side effects from the CT scan. If you had a contrast agent, you may be advised to drink plenty of fluids to help flush it out of your system. CT scans are an important tool in diagnosing and treating many medical conditions.

What is MRI?

A type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body is called as Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

MRI is a very versatile tool. It can be used to look at almost any part of the body, including the brain, muscles, joints, and organs. It is used to diagnose problems such as tumours, bleeding, or inflammation. It can also be used to monitor the progression of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis.

MRI is a very safe procedure. There is no radiation involved, so it is not harmful to the body. The main risks are from the magnetic fields, which can cause problems for people with pacemakers or other metal implants.

MRI is a painless procedure. The patient is placed inside a large machine that creates the magnetic fields. The patient may be asked to hold their breath for short periods of time during the scan.

The images produced by MRI are very detailed. They can be used to diagnose many different types of problems. MRI is a valuable tool for doctors and can help to improve the quality of care for patients.

Difference Between CT and MRI

  1. CT images are produced by using X-rays, while MRI images are produced by using magnetic fields.
  2. CT images provide detailed information about the structure and density of the tissues, while MRI images provide detailed information about the structure and function of the tissues.
  3. CT images can be used to detect tumors, while MRI images can be used to detect tumors, as well as to assess their grade and stage.
  4. CT images are more likely to be affected by artifacts, while MRI images are less likely to be affected by artifacts.
  5. CT images are more expensive than MRI images.

Comparison Between CT and MRI

Parameters of comparisonCTMRI
Full formComputed tomographyMagnetic resonance imaging
Effects on bodySmall risk of irradiationNo radiation involved in the process
Details of tissues and bony structuresLess details of tissues and more details about the bony structuresHigher details on soft tissues and less details on bony structures as compared to CT scan
Exposure to radiationModerateNone
CostLess costly than MRIHigher than CT scan

References

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022510X99003184