in ,

Differences between MRI and CT scan

Do you know what the Tac or MRI is about? We tell you the main differences to visualize the interior of our body. 

Once you have been told that you should have an MRI study or a CT test, do you know what it is? Do you know the difference between MRI and CT?   

Magnetic resonance imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging, also called magnetic resonance imaging (but the market avoids the use of this name) is a medical study that is performed when the patient needs to have a detailed image of certain organs and / or body structures.

As its name indicates, this practice uses magnetic fields combined with radio waves to create images (which look like photographs) of the interior of our body, all without having to resort to radiation.

TAC Computed Axial Tomography

As for the CT scan, Computed Axial Tomography, doctors go to it to be able to visualize the interior of the patients’ body, it works with certain similarity to X-rays, since they use the use of X-rays .

The CT scan performs a sectional scan from different angles to get a better view of the organ.

Although both medical studies are highly recommended and used by specialists and it may seem that they are used for the same purpose, in reality they have their differences, today we invite you to know them in that way you will have greater clarity that each one is going in case you or a family member should take these tests.

Differences between Magnetic Resonance and CT

These tests are quite similar , each one is used to be able to visualize the interior of our body, be it a specific organ or the structure of our bones, among others.

But each one uses different techniques and is formulated using different materials in order to obtain an explicit image of the organism.

At the same time, another of the things that these tests have in common is that in order to execute it, the patient must be lying on a kind of stretcher that introduces the person into a kind of tunnel, staying there for about 60 minutes depending of the test type.

However, there are differences between MRI and CT, which are :

  1. Magnetic resonance or nuclear magnetic resonance uses a magnetic field and in turn uses a computer that allows it to visualize the image in second and third dimensions.
  2. CT is based on the use of X-ray technology , although it is not the same as a tomography, since it uses a scanner to be able to obtain 3D images in a transversal way.
  3. MRI can provide the required information in greater detail compared to CT.
  4. CT is usually used when the doctor and the patient need immediate results, that is, in case of an emergency.
  5. As for the magnetic resonance , this test is assigned when the patient requires a more defined image , but there is no rush for it.
  6. MRI is mostly used when there is some discomfort in the soft tissues.
  7. The CT scanner is donut-shaped, allows greater mobility for the patient, is not closed and does not make as much noise compared to the MRI tunnel.

    What does CT diagnose? 

    It is one of the newest computed tomography techniques, they use a spiral-based technique that even moves the table to get an image from different angles.

    CT is used in patients to diagnose the following:

    • Bone or muscle injuries, as in the case of bleeding, trauma, fractures and even tumors.
    • When a surgical procedure is necessary such as radiotherapies.
    • It is used to locate abscesses and clots in the blood.
    • It allows to visualize any defect or condition that affects the heart, veins and arteries.
    • Detects abnormalities in the liver, pancreas, kidneys, stomach, lungs.

It should be borne in mind that the practice of this test is not invasive , the patient who is going to perform this test is usually sedated, to avoid restlessness or anxiety states in the person. The duration is around 15 minutes to 40 minutes depending on the type of test.

What does the MRI detect?      

In the case of magnetic resonance imaging MRI or MRI , doctors usually go to this test to detect the following:

  • Lesions that have been generated at the musculoskeletal level.
    • It is used to visualize any abnormality at the abdominal level.
    • Ideal for doing breast tests.
    • Detects abnormalities in the nervous system.
    • In case there are lymph node problems.
    • It allows to visualize the flow of the blood.
    • Tumors can be visualized.

    Likewise, MRI is not a test that is invasive to the human body , it does not generate radiation since it does not use this type of material. The contrast agent used in the patient does not cause allergies and the images are quite clear. It lasts between 30 to 60 minutes.

    What is better MRI or CT?  

    Although you may hope that one test is better than the other, each one really brings the necessary benefits in case you need a specific study . However, they do have certain considerable aspects to keep in mind when conducting either study.

    In the case of magnetic resonance, it usually has a higher cost compared to the study through CT , since the equipment used for this test is usually more expensive compared to the Computerized Axial Tomography, which is more economical the material used.

    Despite these differences between MRI and CT , they are tests that complement each other and that doctors resort to it depending on the case presented by the patient and require more detail or speed to obtain a result, but either of the Two will make it easier to provide a relevant diagnosis.

Astrocyte function

What is the function of glial cells?

40 examples Marsupial Animals