The level of medicine is currently quite high. There are a large number of studies that make it possible to diagnose with high accuracy. In the arsenal of doctors - the latest technology. With their help, it is possible to look inside the body and identify pathologies in the development or work of internal organs.
Such new diagnostic techniques include magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. These studies are often used to clarify the diagnosis. Many undergo these procedures without a doctor’s referral. In this case, it is important to know how MRI differs from CT.
Operating principle
Despite the fact that both studies produce a three-dimensional image of the internal organs, there is a significant difference between them:
- According to the degree of sensitivity.
- According to the principle of action.
A computed tomograph uses x-rays. This is a whole installation, which, rotating around the patient’s body, takes pictures. All received images are then summed up, and the computer is engaged in their processing.
The difference between MRI and CT in the principle of operation is that there are no more X-rays here, and magnetic fields are in the service of a person. Under their influence, the hydrogen atoms in the patient’s body line up parallel to the direction of the magnetic field.
The device sends a radio frequency pulse that runs perpendicular to the main magnetic field. Tissues in the human body come into resonance, and these cell vibrations, the tomograph is able to recognize, decrypt them and build multilayer images.
Indications for MRI and CT
There are diseases for which there is no significant difference in what kind of research you will undergo. Both one and the second device will be able to give an accurate result.
However, there are pathologies in which it is worth considering which is better - MRI or CT?
Magnetic resonance imaging is prescribed most often when there is a need to study in detail the soft tissues in the body, the nervous system, muscles, joints. In such images, all pathologies will be clearly visible.
But the skeletal system, due to the low content of hydrogen protons, responds poorly to magnetic radiation, and the result may not be entirely accurate. In these cases, it is better to conduct computed tomography.
CT can also provide a more truthful picture when examining hollow organs, such as the stomach, intestines, and lungs.
If we talk about diseases, then MRI is indicated for:
- Strokes.
- Diagnosing diseases of the pelvic organs.
- Examination of the trachea, esophagus and blood vessels.
Computed tomography is best done for examination:
- The organs of the respiratory system.
- Kidney.
- The abdominal organs.
- Bone system.
- When diagnosing the exact location of injuries.
Thus, it becomes clear that the difference between MRI and CT is at different points in the application.
Contraindications for procedures
Despite its effectiveness, both devices have contraindications for use. Most often, patients refuse computed tomography due to fear of x-ray exposure. When answering the question of which is safer, MRI or CT, they are inclined to choose the first study.
Upon a detailed examination, it can be noted that both species have their contraindications.
What distinguishes MRI from CT is its testimony. Computed tomography is not shown:
- Pregnant women (due to the risk of radiation exposure to the fetus).
- Young children.
- For frequent holding.
- In the presence of gypsum in the study area.
- With renal failure.
- While breastfeeding.
Magnetic resonance imaging also has its contraindications:
- Claustrophobia when a person is afraid of enclosed spaces.
- The presence of a pacemaker in the body.
- The first trimester of pregnancy.
- Large patient weight (more than 110 kilograms).
- The presence of metal implants, for example, in joints.
All of these contraindications are absolute, but before the procedure it is necessary to consult a doctor, maybe in your case there will also be special recommendations.
Advantages of Magnetic Resonance Imaging
To understand which is better - MRI or CT, you need to consider the benefits of each type of study.
Magnetic resonance imaging has a lot of positive aspects:
- All information received is highly accurate.
- This is the most informative research method for lesions of the central nervous system.
- Accurately diagnoses vertebral hernias.
- It is a safe examination for pregnant women and children.
- You can use it with the frequency that you need.
- Absolutely painless.
- Three-dimensional images are obtained.
- It is possible to save information in computer memory.
- The probability of receiving erroneous information is practically zero.
- No exposure to x-rays.
Given the features of the device and its principle of operation, loud knocks are possible during the study, which you don’t need to be afraid of, you can use headphones.
Benefits of Computed Tomography
Both tomographs are very similar in appearance. The result of their work also comes down to obtaining thin sections of the studied areas in the picture. Without a detailed study, it is very difficult to say how MRI differs from CT.
The advantages of computed tomography include the following facts:
- It turns out a three-dimensional image of the study area.
- Clear pictures of the skeletal system.
- No pain during the procedure.
- The entire study takes several minutes.
- The simplicity and reliability of the information.
- A tomograph gives a lower dose of radiation than an x-ray machine.
- You can be examined in the presence of metal or electrical devices in the body.
- Provides true and accurate information for internal bleeding, the detection of tumors.
- Lower cost compared to MRI.
As you can see, a computed tomograph is in no way inferior in its advantages to magnetic resonance, therefore, it is better to have an MRI or CT scan in each specific case.
The disadvantages of each type of study
Currently, almost all types of surveys have both positive aspects and certain disadvantages. Tomographs are no exception.
The disadvantages of MRI diagnostics include the following facts:
- Hollow organs, for example, the urinary and gall bladder, and the lungs, are difficult to study.
- Metal parts in the human body will become an obstacle to the procedure.
- It takes a lot of time to conduct a study.
- To obtain a true and accurate result, the patient must be in a stationary position for a long time.
The disadvantages of computed tomography are as follows:
- The study does not provide information on the functional state of organs and tissues, but only on their structure.
- The harmful effects of x-rays.
- Contraindicated for pregnant women and children.
- You can not carry out this procedure often.
If both research methods are recommended for you, then in this case, it no longer matters how the MRI differs from CT.
Informative methods
After a visit to the doctor, you will be assigned an examination, which, according to the doctor, will give a more truthful and accurate result.
If you decide not to wait for recommendations, then you should know in which cases which device is better to choose.
If you do not know what is more accurate - MRI or CT, then keep in mind that magnetic resonance imaging will give a more accurate and informative result in the presence of the following pathologies:
- Brain tumor, stroke and multiple sclerosis.
- All pathologies of the spinal cord.
- Pathologies of intracranial nerves and brain structures.
- Damage to muscles and tendons.
- Soft tissue tumors.
If you have serious violations of vital functions, then it is worth consulting with your doctor.
A computer tomograph will give more accurate information, if available:
- Suspicion of intracranial hemorrhage, trauma.
- Damage and disease of bone tissue.
- Pathology of the respiratory system.
- Atherosclerotic vascular lesions.
- Lesions of the facial skeleton, thyroid gland.
- Otitis and sinusitis.
A preoperative study will provide an accurate picture of the upcoming surgical intervention.
If you are firmly convinced of the proposed diagnosis, then you can choose the research method yourself.
The main differences between the methods
Despite such a large number of similarities, there is still a difference between CT and MRI. If in a few points, then we can say the following:
- The most important difference between these two research methods is their principle of operation. MRI uses a magnetic field, and CT uses X-rays.
- Both methods can be used to diagnose a huge number of pathologies.
- With the same result, you may be inclined to choose MRI, as this study is safer, but its cost is more expensive.
- Each procedure has its contraindications, so they must be considered before making the final choice.
Remember, your health is in your hands, and sometimes it doesn’t matter what diagnostic method to use, the most important thing is to get an accurate and true result and start treatment in a timely manner.