Difference between MRI and tomography. How does MRI differ from CT: which study is more accurate, more informative and safer - which is better? Abdominal examinations

The level of medicine is currently quite high. Exists a large number of studies that allow a diagnosis to be made with high accuracy. In the arsenal of doctors - Newest technologies. With their help, it is possible to look inside the body and identify pathologies in development or work internal organs.

Such new diagnostic techniques include magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. These studies are often used to clarify the diagnosis. Many people undergo these procedures without a doctor's referral. In this case, it is important to know how MRI differs from CT.

Operating principle

Although both studies provide a three-dimensional image of internal organs, there are significant differences between them:

• According to the degree of sensitivity.
• According to the principle of action.

A CT scanner works using X-rays. This is a whole installation that, rotating around the patient’s body, takes pictures. All received images are then summed up and processed by a computer.

The difference between MRI and CT in the principle of operation is that there are no longer X-rays, but magnetic fields serve the person. Under their influence, the hydrogen atoms present in the patient’s body are aligned parallel to the direction magnetic field.

The device sends out a radio frequency pulse that travels perpendicular to the main magnetic field. Tissues in the human body come into resonance, and the tomograph is able to recognize these cell vibrations, decipher them and build multilayer images.

Indications for MRI and CT procedures

There are diseases for which it makes no significant difference what kind of research you undergo. Both one and the second device will be able to give an accurate result.

However, there are pathologies in which it is worth thinking about what is better - MRI or CT?

Prescribed most often when there is a need to study in detail soft fabrics in the body, nervous system, muscles, joints. In such photographs, all pathologies will be clearly visible.

And here skeletal system due to the insignificant content of hydrogen protons, it responds poorly to magnetic radiation, and the result may not be entirely accurate. In these cases, it is better to perform a computed tomography scan.

CT can also provide a more accurate picture when examining hollow organs, such as the stomach, intestines, and lungs.

If we talk about diseases, then MRI is indicated for:

Computed tomography is best performed to examine:

• Organs of the respiratory system.
• Kidney.
• Organs abdominal cavity.
• Skeletal system.
• When diagnosing the exact location of injuries.

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

Contraindications for procedures

Despite their effectiveness, both devices have contraindications for use. Most often, patients refuse due to fear X-ray exposure. When answering the question of which is safer, MRI or CT, they tend to choose the first study.

Upon closer examination, it can be noted that both types have their own contraindications.

What makes MRI different from CT is its indications for use. not shown:

1. Pregnant women (due to the risk of radiation exposure to the fetus).
2. For young children.
3. For frequent use.
4. If there is plaster in the study area.
5. In case of renal failure.
6. While breastfeeding.

It also has its contraindications:

1. Claustrophobia, when a person is afraid of closed spaces.
2. The presence of a pacemaker in the body.
3. First trimester of pregnancy.
4. The patient is overweight (more than 110 kilograms).
5. The presence of metal implants, for example in joints.

All of the listed contraindications are absolute, but before carrying out the procedure you should consult your doctor; perhaps there will be special recommendations in your case.

Advantages of magnetic resonance imaging

To figure out which is better - MRI or CT, it is necessary to consider the advantages of each type of study.

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 spinal hernias.
• It is a safe examination for pregnant women and children.
• You can use it as often as you need.
• Absolutely painless.
• Three-dimensional images are obtained.
• It is possible to save information in the computer's memory.
• The likelihood of receiving erroneous information is almost zero.
• No exposure to x-rays.

Considering the features of the device and its operating principle, loud knocking noises are possible during the study, which you do not need to be afraid of; you can use headphones.

Benefits of CT Scan

In my own way appearance both tomographs are very similar. The result of their work also comes down to obtaining thin sections of the studied areas in the picture. Without detailed study It is very difficult to say how MRI differs from CT.

On to the pros computed tomography The following facts can be attributed:

As you can see, a computed tomograph is in no way inferior in its advantages to a magnetic resonance scanner, therefore, which is better - MRI or CT, must be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Disadvantages of each type of study

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

The disadvantages of MRI diagnostics include the following facts:

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.
• Harmful effects
• Contraindicated for use in pregnant women and children.
• This procedure cannot be carried out frequently.

Information content of methods

After visiting the doctor, you will be prescribed an examination, which, in the doctor’s opinion, will give a more truthful and accurate result.

If you don’t know which 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:

1. Brain tumor, stroke and multiple sclerosis.
2. All pathologies of the spinal cord.
3. Pathologies of intracranial nerves and brain structures.
4. Damage to muscles and tendons.
5. Soft tissue tumors.

If you have serious impairments in vital functions, you should additionally consult a doctor.

A computed tomograph will provide more accurate information if there are:

• Suspicions of intracranial hemorrhage, trauma.
• Damage and diseases of bone tissue.
• Pathologies of the respiratory system.
• Atherosclerotic vascular lesions.
• Lesions of the facial skeleton, thyroid gland.
• Otitis and sinusitis.

Preoperative examination will provide an accurate picture of the area of ​​the upcoming surgical intervention.

If you are firmly convinced of the proposed diagnosis, then you can choose the research method yourself.

Main differences between the methods

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

1. The most important difference between these two research methods is their operating principle. MRI uses a magnetic field, while CT uses x-rays.
2. Both methods can be used to diagnose a huge number of pathologies.
3. At same result you may be inclined to choose MRI, since this study is safer, but its cost is more expensive.
4. Each procedure has its own contraindications, so they must be taken into account before making the final choice.

Remember, your health is in your hands, and sometimes it doesn’t matter what diagnostic method you use, the most important thing is to get an accurate and true result and start treatment in a timely manner.

Most main principle medicine “Do no harm!” And this concerns not only treatment, but also diagnosis of diseases, since, firstly, untimely diagnosis can reduce the chances of achieving recovery to zero, and secondly, not all diagnostic methods are harmless to the patient’s body. Naturally, it would be possible to abandon methods that have an adverse effect on human health, but the potential for “harmful” methods is often so great that there is simply nothing to replace them with.

Often patients and health care workers are afraid to perform a CT scan due to harmful effects X-ray radiation. However, in some cases, it is computed tomography that provides the best results in terms of information content.

It is difficult to say which is better, computed tomography or MRI. In each specific case, the most preferable method should be chosen based on the information content, safety of both methods, the presence of contraindications and limitations for the examination.

How does CT differ from MRI?

There are several parameters by which both methods can be compared:

1. information content of the examination, detail of the images obtained;
2. safety of the examination for the patient;
3. contraindications and restrictions for examination and administration of contrast agents;
4. duration of the procedure.

To select the most appropriate method, only one of the factors listed above is rarely taken into account. First, the most informative method is determined, and then the presence of contraindications, limitations and other parameters are taken into account.

Information content of methods

Images obtained using CT and MRI are digital black-and-white images that are sections of organs and tissues of the area under study. However, the detail of images of individual anatomical structures performed using CT and MRI may differ significantly.

Let's consider the differences between CT and MRI depending on the sensitivity of the methods to certain tissues or anatomical formations:

• Musculoskeletal system. The most preferred method for examining bones is computed tomography. In CT images, you can see the structure of the bones down to the bone beams. The method is informative for identifying:
  1. oncological bone diseases;
  2. bone injuries (cracks, fractures);
  3. osteomyelitis;
  4. accumulation of fluid, pus, blood in the joint cavity.
  Compared to CT, MRI does not produce as detailed images. Special software A computed tomography machine allows for a densitometric examination (to determine bone density). MRI provides more detailed images of cartilage, ligaments, muscles, and other soft tissues.
• Vessels. Using magnetic resonance imaging, vascular examination can be performed without the use of a contrast agent. For this purpose, modern tomographs provide a special MR angiography mode. The method allows you to identify areas of narrowing or compression of blood vessels and estimate the speed of blood flow through the vessels. Vascular examination is also possible using computed tomography. However, this cannot be done without contrast agent. CT is more sensitive than MRI in cases where it is necessary to detect atherosclerotic vascular lesions.
• Hollow organs. Both methods provide clear images of the esophagus and terminal colon. The stomach is clearly visualized using CT if the stomach walls are first straightened with air. CT scans also provide detailed images of the large intestine. The method is called " virtual colonoscopy" The stomach and intestines can also be examined using MRI, but to obtain the necessary information, two contrast agents will have to be used at once: the first is administered intravenously, the second is given to the patient to drink.
• Parenchymal organs. For examination of the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and spleen, in most cases, magnetic resonance imaging is preferable. Internal organs are well visualized without the use of contrast agents. CT scans provide clearer images of the gallbladder and ducts and are also used to diagnose gallstones.
• Brain. Magnetic resonance imaging is more informative for examining the central nervous system. The images clearly show areas of hemorrhage or ischemia, vascular development abnormalities (arteriovenous malformations and aneurysms), signs of demyelinating diseases, etc. The use of a contrast agent makes it possible to detect even small neoplasms of the pituitary gland and other parts of the central nervous system. CT scan of the brain is used to detect intracranial hematoma, aneurysm and atherosclerotic changes in the vessels of the head and neck.
• Lungs and mediastinum. The most informative method for examining the bronchopulmonary system is computed tomography. The method allows you to identify tumors, tuberculosis foci and other pulmonary pathology, diseases of the pleura, changes in the esophagus, diaphragm, lymph nodes. MRI can also be used to diagnose diseases of the lungs and mediastinum, but the value of such an examination will be lower.

Above we provided a list of examples of the difference between CT and MRI in terms of the information content of the examination. Now let's look at the safety of both methods, contraindications and limitations for their use.

Safety of CT and MRI methods for the patient

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are methods radiology diagnostics, which are used to obtain images of layer-by-layer tissue sections of the area under study. MRI machines use a magnetic field and electromagnetic pulses that are safe for humans. The difference between CT and MRI is that X-ray radiation is used to scan the body, which in certain doses can cause the development of radiation sickness in the patient.

Due to the need to limit radiation doses when performing CT, a number of restrictions are taken into account:

1. Usually only one area of ​​the body is examined;
2. The examination can be repeated no earlier than 6 months after the first procedure;
3. the examination is prohibited for pregnant and lactating women;
4. Children can have a CT scan once they reach 12 years of age.

Since there are no serious restrictions on the use of MRI, it is possible to examine several areas or the entire body of the patient at once, repeat the examination as often as necessary to diagnose the disease and monitor the effectiveness of treatment, and use MRI for pregnant women and children of any age.

Contraindications for CT and MRI

General contraindications for both methods are as follows::

1. the patient is overweight (depending on the design features of the device, the maximum permissible patient weight can range from 120 to 200 kg);
2. intense pain, hyperkinesis (involuntary twitching of the body) or other conditions when the patient cannot long time keep still;
3. inadequate condition of the patient (alcohol or drug intoxication, mental illness etc.).

General contraindications for the use of iodine (for CT) and gadolinium (for MRI) contrast agents:

1. drug intolerance;
2. impaired renal function (acute or chronic renal failure);
3. pregnancy and lactation.

In all these cases, you will have to look for other options for conducting the survey. For example, multispectral computed tomography (MSCT) can solve the problem of examining an overweight patient. Will also be available X-ray examination, ultrasound diagnostics.

Below are contraindications and limitations separately for CT and MRI. If the patient has contraindications for using one of the methods, the second can be used.

Contraindications for MRI:

1. presence of metal foreign bodies in the patient's body;
2. implanted electronic devices type of pacemaker or defibrillator;
3. serious condition of the patient, when it is impossible to do without a cardiac monitor or device artificial ventilation lungs.

Contraindications for CT scanning:

1. pregnancy;
2. children up to 12 years of age.

As you can see, the difference between CT and MRI in terms of possible contraindications for conducting a survey makes the methods interchangeable.

Duration of the CT and MRI procedure

The time that the patient will have to spend in the tomograph capsule is another parameter in which computed tomography differs from magnetic resonance imaging. A CT scan takes only a few minutes. An MRI may take 30 minutes to an hour. It would seem that the difference is small. But this difference may be significant for patients suffering from claustrophobia, as well as those who need emergency surgery due to injury or other pathology.

This was a breakthrough in medicine. This made it possible to see internal disorders in the human body and find out the state of its organs. But even such an excellent method carries with it some disadvantages. For example, an X-ray can take a picture of some organs, but at the same time images of other organs can be superimposed on them.

And in this case, only an experienced and experienced person can decipher the result. knowledgeable doctor. Therefore, due to these shortcomings, progress has gone further.

New methods

Nowadays, there are other ways to diagnose human internal organs, such as CT or MRI. But then a lot of questions arise from this. For example, what diagnostics to choose, what is the difference between CT and MRI? Later in the article we will describe their differences in detail. We will also explain which diagnostics are more suitable for a particular case.

Let's understand the difference between CT and MRI

Nowadays, many doctors recommend that patients better diagnosis conduct more thorough examinations using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. What kind of research is this? How does CT differ from MRI? Let's take a closer look:

• A CT scan is performed using the property of x-ray radiation to be absorbed differently by different tissue thicknesses. That is, CT is, in general, identical to x-rays, but the information obtained with its help is processed completely differently, and the radiation exposure is much higher.

• produced using a magnetic field. Hydrogen atoms, due to its influence, change their place, and the tomograph records this effect and processes it into a three-dimensional image.

As you can see, the question - how does CT differ from MRI, what is the difference between these two diagnostic devices - immediately receives an answer. The main difference is the nature of the waves. Magnetic resonance imaging uses electromagnetic waves. When they influence different organ tissues, various data are obtained that are read using the device. And then all the signals are processed and, as with a CT examination, an image is displayed on the monitor. Thanks to it, the doctor has the opportunity to see even layer-by-layer sections of organs. In addition, the image can be rotated and, if necessary, enlarged the desired area.

What other difference is there between CT and MRI? Which tomography is better? Each diagnosis is good and informative. The main difference lies in what pathology can be identified using these methods, and also, with the help of what rays this is done.

Scan time difference

Speaking about the difference between CT and MRI, it is worth noting that computed tomography (CT) has serious radiation exposure and therefore cannot be used frequently. But x-ray radiation affects organs for no more than 10 seconds. This means that such research is best carried out with those people who suffer from claustrophobia.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) usually lasts ten minutes or more, depending on the area of ​​study. At the same time, you need to remain motionless. Therefore, MRI is more suitable for people who do not have any serious mental disorders. As for children, when using a magnetic resonance examination, they are given anesthesia.

Based on the above, you can understand how MRI differs from CT. What better than MRI or CT scan for you? Only a doctor can answer this question, based on the characteristics of your body.

When is MRI used?

Inexperienced people who suffer from various diseases, when turning to their attending physician, ask the question of how CT differs from MRI. But since we have already found the answer to this, we will next talk about for which diseases it is best to use MRI and where to use CT.

MRI gives the most full information gives when studying soft tissues. Therefore, it is prescribed in the following cases:

• if a person develops formations in muscle tissue, fat cells, in the abdomen and pelvis (this is done to get a complete picture after an ultrasound examination);
• at various diseases brain and spinal cord;
• when there is a suspicion that there are circulatory disorders in the area of ​​the brain or spinal cord;
• when to explore intervertebral discs or the condition of the joint tissues.

When is computed tomography used? She is prescribed:

• to study bone tissue in the area of ​​the spine and joints;
• when bone tissue is affected by tumor formations;
• when the bones of the skeleton have been traumatized;
• for pathologies in the organs of the abdominal cavity, pelvis, and lungs;
• with atherosclerotic changes in the vascular system.

Contraindications

Based on what was described above, the doctor will be able to choose the right type of diagnosis for each patient individually. But there are also some contraindications that should be taken into account.

These include the following:

1. CT scanning is not allowed during pregnancy.
2. MRI is not prescribed:

• in the presence of any metal parts implanted into the body;
• with electronic devices present in the tissues (for example, a pacemaker);
• those suffering from claustrophobia;
• if a person weighs more than 150 kg;
• patients with neurological disorders who are unable to remain in one position for a long time.

A little conclusion

The question of which of the two examinations is better to choose is asked by every person who is about to undergo diagnostics of internal organs. And in order not to harm your health and get as much as possible useful information, the patient should definitely ask his doctor what the difference is between CT and MRI. And the specialist will help you decide what is best for the patient in each specific case.

Modern diagnostic techniques allow us to identify the earliest pathological changes in the functioning of human organs and systems. It is difficult to imagine the development of medicine without the use of magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography - non-invasive methods for diagnosing diseases. But, faced with the need to choose between one type of examination and another, many patients begin to wonder how CT differs from MRI, and which method is best to prefer depending on their health condition.

A person far from medicine may mistakenly think that these methods are identical. But this is far from true. They are united by the word “tomography”, which means obtaining layer-by-layer sections of organs and tissues, the image of which, after scanning, is sent to a personal computer and subjected to interpretation. But there is still a difference between CT and MRI, and it is quite significant.

How does CT differ from MRI?

In order to understand what is the difference between CT and MRI, it is necessary to understand what each of these research methods is based on.

Computed tomography is based on specific property x-ray radiation absorbed depending on the density of specific body tissues. By and large, computed tomography is identical to traditional radiography, but the principle of operation computed tomograph CT differs in a completely different way of obtaining and processing information, as well as a higher radiation dose.

On the area under study during tomographic x-ray examination, layer by layer, a beam of X-rays is exposed, which, passing through the patient’s tissues of varying densities, is absorbed by them. In this case, layer-by-layer images of sections of the body appear. High-quality computer equipment processes the received data and processes it, giving informative three-dimensional images that reflect the characteristics of the organ or body area being examined.

IN MRI diagnostics data is obtained using a powerful magnetic field ( nuclear magnetic resonance), due to which hydrogen atoms in the human body begin to change their position. The tomograph sends electromagnetic pulses, and the effect that occurs in the body is captured by the equipment and processed into three-dimensional images.

Thus, the difference between MRI and computed tomography becomes obvious. In addition, CT has a significant radiation exposure and therefore cannot be used repeatedly. During computed tomography, X-rays affect organs and tissues for up to 10 seconds, which is preferable for people suffering from claustrophobia, but a full magnetic resonance examination may require 10-20 minutes (while maintaining a motionless state). Therefore, when conducting an MRI examination in childhood, anesthesia is often used.

Indications for CT and MRI

Magnetic resonance diagnostics is the most informative for studying the soft tissues of the body and is carried out to study:

• neoplasms in muscles, fatty tissue, abdominal cavity and pelvic organs (to clarify data obtained from ultrasound);
• condition of the structures of the brain and spinal cord;
• circulatory disorders and lesions in the brain and spinal cord;
• spine (condition of intervertebral discs), joints (condition of ligaments).

Computed tomography is preferred for diagnosis:

• diseases of the joints and spine (bone component);
• primary and secondary lesions of bones of a tumor nature;
• traumatic skeletal injuries;
• atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels;
• diseases of the lungs, abdominal organs and pelvic organs (three-phase contrast study);

Contraindications to the use of CT and MRI

The computed tomography method is accompanied by radiation, therefore CT scan is contraindicated for women from the moment of pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Magnetic resonance imaging is not performed on patients:

• with metal parts on the body and in the body;
• the presence of electronic devices implanted into tissue (as a powerful magnetic field is created that can lead to disruption of the operation of pacemakers and other devices);
• patients suffering from claustrophobia (open MRI is possible);
• patients with nervous pathologies that do not allow you to remain motionless for a long time.
• patient weight exceeding more than 150-200 kg.

In addition to the listed contraindications, there are a number of absolute and relative contraindications and restrictions for MRI.

Which is better: CT or MRI?

MRI and CT - which is better? Many people asked a similar question. Every person who is concerned about their health wants to go through the most informative methods research. Despite the differences between CT and MRI, choosing the most effective one is not easy, since for modern medicine Both methods are valuable. It all depends on the specific goal set.

Modern medicine has reached a level where the doctor has a choice of the type of research that is most suitable in a given situation. The need to diagnose various diseases often requires identifying internal pathology.

CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are among the most common instrumental diagnostic methods.

Question: “CT or MRI, which is better?” — the patient has been interested in for a long time. Diagnosis using laparoscopic or open surgical interventions is not always possible or necessary.

For this purpose, it is safer to prescribe CT or MRI. This article lists the advantages and disadvantages of the mentioned instrumental techniques and data on how CT differs from MRI.

In order to understand the difference between MRI and CT, it is necessary to understand the essence of the methods. Computed tomography is an image of the layer-by-layer structure of soft tissue and bone structures, based on the work of x-rays.

Modern tomographs make it possible to obtain slices with a frequency of less than half a millimeter.

This study makes it possible to identify neoplasms of varying density, disturbances in the structure of organs and other pathologies.

The tomograph was first invented in the seventies of the twentieth century by two scientists who were later awarded Nobel Prize.

How is MRI different? Magnetic resonance imaging is based on measuring the response of the atomic nuclear components of various tissues to the influence of an electromagnetic field.

Since the most common chemical element Hydrogen is present in the human body, and it is on the excitation of its atoms that the formation of a picture on the monitor is based. The vibration of hydrogen is caused by the action of a powerful electromagnetic field.

The technique was developed by American scientists simultaneously with computed tomography. The inventors won the Nobel Prize in medicine in 2003.

However, there is evidence of similar developments in the USSR. The information below will help you figure out which is better than MRI or CT.

The essence of the methods

The differences between MRI and CT are the use different types radiation.

The operating principle of CT is based on the penetrating ability of elementary atomic structures that emerge from the X-ray tube, pass through the patient’s body, are recorded by a sensor and displayed on a screen or film.

A special feature of the CT machine is that the radiation source is wrapped around the patient, which allows you to increase the frequency of images and create a three-dimensional three-dimensional model of the body or problem area.

A person is placed on a table around the axis of which the operating part of the tomograph rotates. This method is called spiral - SCT is much more informative than conventional radiography.

The disadvantage of the SCT method is the long duration of its implementation and the serious radiological load, which significantly exceeds the usual fluorography.

The operating principle of MRI is quite similar to that described above and is based on obtaining data through three-dimensional modeling human body or a specific organ through exposure to electromagnetic waves.

Hydrogen atoms that enter different tissues have an individual ability to vibrate.

These vibrations are recorded by a sensor that interprets them into electronic pulses and displays them on the monitor.

The resulting volumetric image is quite clear and makes it possible to differentiate tumors, vessels and different kinds fabrics.

Thus, the significant differences between CT and MRI are based on the principle of their operation.

Method capabilities

MRI and CT are devices that have quite serious differences not only in their essence, but also in the results that they allow to obtain.

Magnetic resonance imaging is performed to achieve the following goals:

• Detection of cancer processes in hollow organs, abdominal cavity, skull.
• Examination for pathology of elements of the central nervous system.
• Detection of intervertebral hernial protrusions.
• Detection of hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes.
• Diagnosis of pathology of the ligamentous apparatus and muscles.
• Detection of osteoporosis of large and small joints.

Tomography using a computer is used:

• To assess the condition of teeth and bone tissue.
• To identify violations of articular joints and the congruence of their surfaces.
• For diagnosing an active hemorrhagic process (bleeding, hematoma, etc.).
• To determine the presence of injuries.
• If you suspect the occurrence of vertebral hernial protrusions, osteoporosis, scoliosis and other types of spinal curvature.
• For brain contusions.
• If you suspect the presence of paraneoplastic processes in the internal organs.
• For diseases of the thyroid gland and parathyroid glands.
• To identify ulcerative defects small intestine and various parts of the stomach.
• To determine the condition of the vascular wall.
• To study the ducts of the urinary system.

CT and MRI have different capabilities in diagnosing diseases, pathological conditions and emergency conditions. Therefore, the question: which is better than MRI or CT is not entirely correct. These studies do not replace each other.

Indications

The indications for using the computed tomography method are the following: pathological conditions and diseases:

• Severe cases of migraine.
• Trauma to the skull.
• Frequent fainting conditions.
• Suspicion of the presence of cancer pathology.
• Polytraumatic injuries.
• Diagnosis of vessel aneurysm.
• Detection of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.

The purposes for which MRI is prescribed are not too different from those described above.

Indications for CT and MRI are quite similar, but the first method is used to diagnose more common diseases, while the second allows you to go deeper into the question of the presence of a specific pathology.

Contraindications

Direct contraindications to X-ray diagnostics using a tomograph are:

• Lactation.
• Pregnancy, especially early stages.
• Obesity with a body weight of more than one hundred and fifty kilograms.
• Claustrophobia.
• Liver and kidney failure.

As for magnetic resonance diagnostics, the following contraindications are identified:

• Presence of non-removable metal implants.
• Mental pathologies.
• Disorders of organs and systems of a decompensatory nature, including renal and liver failure.

Contraindications for CT and MRI are quite similar, but differ for patients with metallic components inside the body.

Preparing for a CT scan

When preparing for a CT scan, you must complete the following activities:

• You should completely avoid food 4 hours before the procedure. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
• Do several cleansing enemas.
• If a kidney examination is necessary, you should not urinate before the procedure. You must first drink at least four liters of liquid.
• About accepted medicines that affect metabolism, you must inform your doctor.
• In order to prevent the occurrence anaphylactic shock precautions must be taken and the doctor notified of possible allergic reaction in contrast.

Preparing for an MRI exam

Magnetic resonance examination requires preliminary preparation of the patient, this allows to reduce the emotional burden and obtain images with the greatest information content for the specialist. The list of requirements is as follows:

• Avoid eating at least six hours before the procedure.
• Taking two liters clean water an hour before tomography of the pelvic organs.
• Prescribing enzymatic preparations and a carbohydrate-free diet several days before the examination if it is necessary to diagnose the digestive tract.

Types of CT

Tomography is used in various diagnostic cases.

In this regard, certain zones have been identified for which the method is used:

• CT scan of brain structures, providing information about the condition of the ventricles, brain tissue, the presence of cysts (including), inflammatory processes or bruises.
• Tomography of the abdominal cavity, which reveals functional state organs, paraneoplastic processes and cysts are detected.
• Tomography of the kidneys.
• Study chest and lungs.
• Diagnosis of pathology of the spinal column.
• Suspicion of ENT pathology.

Types of MRI

• Brain.
• Large vessels and their branches.
• Abdominal organs.
• Small pelvis.
• Bones of the spine.
• Joint spaces.

Pros and cons of methods

Undeniable the positive side of these types of diagnostics is complete absence the need for invasive intervention in internal environment body. This ensures their safety and the ability to clarify the diagnosis without the use of surgical techniques.

The disadvantage of CT is the duration of the procedure and high radiation exposure, which increases the likelihood of oncological processes. Therefore, this method cannot be used often.

The negative quality of magnetic resonance diagnostics is the high cost of the method, technical difficulties in maintaining the device, as well as the impossibility of its use in the presence of pacemakers and other metal-containing implants inside the patient’s body.

MRI produces less radiation than CT. Only a doctor can take into account all the above pros and cons and decide: MRI and CT which is better.

Choosing the right method

Preference should be given to one of the methods by the doctor who is clarifying the diagnosis. Only a specialist is able to take into account all the advantages and disadvantages of one method over another, and also determine which of them will be the most informative and appropriate in a particular situation.

The difference between CT and MRI in cost plays an important role, because due to the more complex design of the MRI device, its maintenance and purchase are more expensive, which leads to significantly more high price research than with CT diagnostics.

Where to undergo the procedure

Today, many doors are open to patients. medical centers, hospitals, clinics and private laboratories that allow you to undergo the necessary type of examination.

After receiving a referral or at their own request, a person can choose a private or public structure for diagnosis.

Experience indicates that the devices used in non-governmental institutions are often newer, which allows for the most informative and detailed images to be obtained, making the diagnostician more likely to make the correct diagnosis.

Moreover, the experience of doctors in such centers often significantly exceeds the knowledge of employees of state clinics.

The only downside is the price, which is much higher than in city health care structures, and may not be covered by insurance, if available.

Conclusion

The MRI and CT methods described above are the most informative, safe and widespread today. When figuring out how the devices work, the question of what is the difference between MRI and CT disappears.

With an understanding of the strong and weaknesses each technique is possible correct application and accurate diagnosis.

Question: “CT or MRI, which is better?” cannot be decided unambiguously, since the methods are different and are used for various diseases and conditions of the patient.