What Is The Difference Between An MRI And A CT Scan?

Posted by: KHTS Articles in News Articles January 12, 2021 - 8:58 am 0 1,605 Views

When it comes to creating images of internal body parts such as organs, bones, and joints, CT scans and MRI scans are very popular among the different medical imaging methods being used in the field today. Typically, both of these procedures are used by doctors to help in the diagnosis of a wide range of medical conditions. While they may share some similarities, they also have differences that you should be aware of. Knowing how they differ from each other can help you determine the right one for a diagnosis.

Keep reading this article to discover the differences between an MRI and a CT scan.

What Is A CT Scan?

Primarily, a CT scan, which stands for computed tomography, refers to a method which uses x-rays to produce cross-sectional images inside your body. After the scanning process, the scanner will now send the images to the computer to look for any problems in the brain, bones, tissues, and other organs.

In most cases, doctors and other medical practitioners recommend the use of a CT scan to diagnose the following health conditions:

Lung problems – When you have a breathing issue, your doctor can use it to determine signs of tumors, emphysema, fibrosis, and many more. For example, if you’re at a high risk for developing lung cancer, a CT scan, particularly the low dose CT, can be an effective screening method because it helps detect abnormalities in the soft tissues which can be a cause of the problem.
Circulation problems – You can also subject yourself to this imaging method if you want to identify issues like aortic aneurysms, pulmonary edemas, heart disease, and many more.
Head conditions – You can use it to identify problems involving the head such as brain calcification, tumors, and hemorrhage.

What Is An MRI Scan?

Essentially, an MRI scan, which stands for magnetic resonance imaging, refers to a method which uses strong magnets and radio waves to produce a clearer and in-depth view of the organs, bones, and tissues.

In most cases, an MRI scan can be used to diagnose the following conditions:

Cancer – With this imaging procedure, women will know whether they have a tumor which can become a cancer.
Bone disorders – With this method, you can identify any infections in or near the bones, and you can have a complete image of your bone health.
Inflammatory bowel conditions – With this form of scanning method, doctors can easily detect any bowel inflammation such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Joint abnormalities – You can also use an MRI scan to discover problems relating to joints, ligaments, and tendons.

How Does An MRI Scan Differ From A CT Scan?

Now that you know what MRI and CT scans are, the next step is to become familiar with their differences. Generally, these two popular medical imaging procedures are different from each other in the following manner:

Procedure – In an MRI scan, the person will lie on the table which moves through a thicker doughnut-shape device to collect images showing the difference between a normal and diseased tissue. Similarly, a person undergoing a CT scan will also lie down on a table which also moves into a scanning ring to create three-dimensional images of the internal parts of the body.
Cost – Using an MRI scan is much more expensive than a computed tomography scanning procedure. This can be probably due to the use of radio waves and strong magnets by the latter method. Primarily, the average cost of the magnetic resonance imaging scanning method is more or less US$2,000 while a CT scan may cost US$1,200.
Image Results – Unlike the computed tomography scan, the results produced by the MRI scan are more detailed and sharper, especially if you want to identify soft tissues and bone problems.
Speed – While there’s no exact time required for both imaging procedures, MRI scans can take a longer time to finish compared with the CT scans. Depending on the situation, a standard computed tomography may take 10 minutes, while the magnetic resonance imaging may last an hour or longer.
Risks – While both mechanisms come with some health risks when being used, it’s important to note that they differ based on the type of scanning and how they’re being performed. Risks for MRI scans can include a reaction to the metals found in the magnets, increased body temperature during long screening, and hearing problems caused by the loud noises from the machine. However, risks for CT scans can include reaction to the use of dyes, small dose of radiation, and a potential harm to unborn babies.
Sound level – Compared with MRI scans which are noisy and require earplugs or headphones to avoid hearing problems, CT scans have a low sound level for which you don’t need ear protection during the scanning procedure.
People Who Shouldn’t Use The Procedures – There are people who shouldn’t use either the MRI scan or the CT scan. The persons who shouldn’t undergo the computed tomography are children and those with allergic reactions to iodine and other related substances. On the other hand, the people who shouldn’t use the MRI are those with artificial joints, dark tattoos, eye implants, and shrapnel.

Picking The Right Scanning Method

With the differences mentioned above, you may have an idea which advancement in diagnostic radiology is the right for you. However, the following factors should also be taken into account when deciding which one should be done:

Medical reason for the scanning
Extent and level of details which are required for the images
Internal organs or body parts to be scanned
Whether the person has a difficulty tolerating the scanning process
Whether the person is pregnant

The Bottom Line

Typically, both MRI scans and CT scans are two popular procedures when it comes to generating images of internal body parts for diagnosis. While they have similar uses, the information mentioned above will show how they differ from each other based on specific factors.

But, despite these differences, your doctor will still more likely tell you which one is recommended for you. Just make sure to consult your doctor first so that you’ll feel comfortable and confident with the procedure.