What is the difference between MRI and CT? In what cases is MRI better than CT?

The level of medicine is now quiteis high. There is a large number of studies that allow you to make a diagnosis with high accuracy. In the arsenal of doctors - the latest technology. With their help, there is an opportunity to look inside the organism and reveal pathologies in the development or work of internal organs.

To such new diagnostic techniques, you caninclude magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. These studies are often used to clarify the diagnosis. Many undergo these procedures without referral to a doctor. In this case, it is important to know the difference between MRI and CT.

Operating principle

Despite the fact that both studies produce a three-dimensional image of internal organs, there is a significant difference between them:

By the degree of sensitivity.
By the principle of action.

A computer tomograph works by usingX-rays. This is a whole setup that rotates around the patient's body and takes pictures. All received images are then summed up, and their processing is handled by a computer.

The difference between MRI and CT in principle is thatthe fact that there are no X-rays, and that man has magnetic fields in his service. Under their influence, the hydrogen atoms present in the patient's body are aligned in parallel with the direction of the magnetic field.

The device sends an RF pulse thatgoes perpendicular to the main magnetic field. Tissues in the human body come into resonance, and these vibrations of cells the tomograph is able to recognize, decode them and build multi-layer images.

Indications for MRI and CT procedures

There are such diseases for which there is no significant difference, what kind of research you will be taking. Both one and the second device will be able to give an accurate result.

However, there are such pathologies, in which it is worth considering, which is better - MRI or CT?

Magnetic resonance imaging is prescribed more oftenonly when there is a need to study in detail the soft tissues in the body, the nervous system, muscles, joints. In such pictures, all pathologies will be clearly visible.

But the bone system because of the insignificantthe content of hydrogen protons does not respond well to magnetic radiation, and the result may not be exactly accurate. In these cases it is better to conduct a computer tomography.

CT is also able to give a more truthful picture when examining hollow organs, for example, the stomach, intestines, and also the lungs.

If we talk about diseases, the MRI is shown when:

Strokes.
Diagnosis of diseases of the pelvic organs.
Investigation of the trachea, esophagus and blood vessels.

Computer tomography is better to conduct for examination:

Respiratory system organs.
The kidneys.
Organs of the abdominal cavity.
Bone system.
When diagnosing the exact location of injuries.

Thus, it becomes clear that the difference between MRI and CT lies at different points in the application.

Contraindications for procedures

Despite its effectiveness, both deviceshave contraindications for use. More often than not, patients refuse computed tomography due to fear of x-ray exposure. When answering a question about what is safer, MRI or CT, they tend to choose the first study.

With detailed consideration, it can be noted that both species have their own contraindications.

What is the difference between MRI and CT, this is their testimony to the conduct. Computed tomography is not shown:

Pregnant women (because of the danger of radiation exposure to the fetus).
To children of early age.
For frequent conduct.
In the presence of gypsum in the field of research.
With renal failure.
During lactation.

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 weight of the patient (more than 110 kilograms).
The presence of metal implants, for example, in the joints.

All these contraindications are absolute, but before the procedure is necessary to consult a doctor, maybe in your case there will also be special recommendations.

Pros of magnetic resonance imaging

To understand what is best - MRI or CT, you need to consider the benefits of each type of study.

Magnetic resonance imaging has a lot of positive aspects:

All the information obtained is highly accurate.
This is the most informative method of investigation for lesions of the central nervous system.
Precisely diagnoses vertebral hernia.
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 store information in the computer's memory.
The probability of receiving erroneous information is practically zero.
No exposure to X-rays.

Given the features of the device and its operation principle, loud knocking is possible during the research, which you should not be afraid of, you can use headphones.

Advantages of computed tomography

In its appearance, both scanners are verysimilar. The result of their work is also reduced to obtaining thin sections of the investigated regions in the picture. Without a detailed study, it is very difficult to say what distinguishes MRI from CT.

The advantages of computed tomography include the following facts:

A three-dimensional image of the studied area is obtained.
Clear images of the bone system.
No pain during the procedure.
The time of the whole study takes several minutes.
Simplicity and reliability of information.
The tomograph gives a smaller dose of radiation than an X-ray machine.
You can undergo examination if you have metal or electrical devices in your body.
Gives true and accurate information with internal bleeding, detection of tumors.
Lower cost compared with MRI.

As you can see, the computer tomograph is not inferior in its pluses to magnetic resonance imaging, therefore, it is better - MRI or CT, it is necessary to solve in each specific case.

Disadvantages of each type of study

Currently, almost all types of surveys have both positive aspects and certain shortcomings. Tomographs in this regard are no exception.

The following facts can be attributed to the shortcomings of MRI-diagnostics:

Hollow organs, such as the urinary and gallbladder, and the lungs, are not well researched.
Metal parts in the human body will become an obstacle to the procedure.
It takes a lot of time for the research.
To obtain a truthful and accurate result, the patient must remain stationary for a long time.

The disadvantages of computed tomography are as follows:

The study does not provide information about the functional state of organs and tissues, but only about their structure.
X-ray harmful effects.
Contraindicated for carrying in pregnant women and children.
It is impossible to carry out this procedure often.

If you are recommended to conduct both methods of research, then in this case, it does not matter what the difference between MRI and CT is.

Informative methods

After visiting the doctor, you will be scheduled for 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 what cases which device is better to choose.

If you do not know what is more accurate - MRI or CT, then note that magnetic resonance imaging will give a more accurate and informative result if you have the following pathologies:

Brain tumor, stroke and multiple sclerosis.
All pathologies of the spinal cord.
Pathology of intracranial nerves and brain structures.
Damage to muscles and tendons.
Tumors of soft tissue.

If you have serious violations of vital functions, you should consult with your doctor.

More accurate information computed tomography will give, if available:

Suspected intracranial hemorrhage, injury.
Damage and bone disease.
Pathology of the respiratory system.
Atherosclerotic lesions of blood vessels.
Lesions of the facial skeleton, thyroid gland.
Otitis and sinusitis.

A preoperative study will provide an accurate picture of the upcoming surgery.

If you are firmly confident in the proposed diagnosis, then you can choose the method of research.

The main differences of the methods

Despite such a large number of similarities, the difference between CT and MRI is still there. If in several points, we can say the following:

The most important difference between these two research methods lies in 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 can lean toward choosing an MRI, since this study is safer, but its cost is more expensive.
Each procedure has its own contraindications, so they must be considered before making the final choice.

Remember, your health is in your hands, and sometimes it does not matter what method of diagnosis to use, the most important thing is to get an accurate and truthful result and start treatment in a timely manner.