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Modern diagnostic methods make it possible to detect diseases at the initial stages. Today it is impossible to imagine medicine without two important acronyms - CT and MRI. Given that both diagnostic methods go hand in hand, people ignorant of medicine constantly confuse them and do not know which method to give preference to.

Many people believe that computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are identical. This is an erroneous statement.

In fact, they have only the word "tomography" in common, which means the issuance of images of layered sections of the analyzed area.

After scanning, the data from the device is sent to a computer, as a result, the doctor examines the images and draws conclusions. This is where the similarities between CT and MRI end. The principle of action and indications for their implementation are different.

How are both of these methods different?

To understand the differences, you need to understand the technique of conducting.

Computed tomography is based on x-rays. That is, CT is akin to X-ray, but the tomograph has a different way of recognizing data, as well as increased radiation exposure.

During CT, the selected area is treated with x-rays in layers. They pass through the tissues, alternating density, and are absorbed by the same tissues. As a result, the system receives layer-by-layer images of sections of the whole body. The computer processes this information and produces three-dimensional images.

MRI diagnostics is characterized by the influence nuclear magnetic resonance. The tomograph sends electromagnetic pulses, after which an effect occurs in the area under study, which scans and processes the equipment, then displaying a three-dimensional image.

From the above, it follows that MRI and CT have a significant difference. In addition, computed tomography cannot be performed repeatedly due to the large radiation exposure.

Another difference is the research time. If 10 seconds is enough to obtain a result using CT, then during an MRI a person is in a closed “capsule” from 10 to 40 minutes. And it is important to maintain complete immobility. That is why magnetic resonance imaging is not performed on people suffering from claustrophobia, and children are often given anesthesia.

Equipment

Patients cannot always immediately determine which device is in front of them - MRI or CT. Outwardly, they are similar, but differ in design. The main component of a CT scanner is a beam tube, MRI is an electromagnetic pulse generator. Magnetic resonance imaging scanners are of closed and open type. CT does not have divisions of this kind, but has its own subtypes: positive emission, cone beam, multilayer spiral tomography.

Indications for MRI and CT

Often, the patient prefers the more expensive MRI method, believing that it is more effective. In fact, there are certain indications for conducting these studies.

MRI is prescribed to:

• Detect tumors in the body
• Determine the condition of the membranes of the spinal cord
• To study the nerves located inside the skull, as well as the structures of the connective tissues of the brain
• Analyze muscles and ligaments
• Examine patients with multiple sclerosis
• To study the pathology of the surface of the joints.

CT is prescribed in order to:

• Examine bone defects
• Determine the degree of joint damage
• Detect internal bleeding, trauma
• Examine the brain or spinal cord for damage
• Detect pneumonia, tuberculosis and other pathologies of the chest cavity
• Establish a diagnosis in the genitourinary system
• Define vascular pathologies
• Examine hollow organs.

Contraindications

Considering that computed tomography is nothing but radiation, it is not recommended pregnant women and during lactation.

Magnetic resonance imaging is not performed in the following situations:

• presence metal parts in the body and on the human body;
• claustrophobia;
• located in tissue pacemakers and other electronic devices;
• sick, suffering nervous pathologies who, due to illness, are not able to be immobile for a long time;
• patients weighing over 150-200 kg.

MRI and CT in questions and answers

• Is CT always better than X-ray?

If the patient has pulpitis in the tooth or a normal bone fracture, an x-ray is sufficient. If it is necessary to clarify the diagnosis of an unclear nature, to determine the exact location of the pathology, more information will be needed. And here is already shown computed tomography. But the doctor makes the final decision.

• CT does not emit radiation?

On the contrary, when performing computed tomography, the radiation exposure is even higher than with a simple x-ray. But this type of research is prescribed for a reason. This method is used when it is really caused by a medical need.

• Why is a contrast agent injected into a patient during a CT scan?

In black and white images, contrast helps to create clear boundaries of organs and tissues. Before studying the large or small intestine, the stomach, the patient is given a barium suspension in an aqueous solution. However, non-hollow organs and vascular zones will require a different contrast. If the patient needs an examination of the liver, blood vessels, brain, urinary tract and kidneys, he is shown a contrast in the form of an iodine preparation. But first, the doctor must make sure that there is no allergy to iodine.

• Where is the efficiency higher: with MRI or CT?

These methods cannot be called substitutes for each other. They differ in the degree of sensitivity to certain systems of our body. Thus, MRI is a diagnostic method that gives the best results when studying organs with a high content of fluid, pelvic organs, and intervertebral discs. CT is prescribed to study the bone skeleton and lung tissues.

To establish an accurate diagnosis for problems with the digestive organs, kidneys, neck, CT and MRI are often of equal importance. But CT is considered a faster diagnostic method and is suitable for cases where there is no time to scan with a magnetic resonance tomograph.

• Is MRI safer than CT?

With magnetic resonance imaging, radiation exposure is excluded. But it should be understood that this is a young diagnostic method, so it is still difficult to determine what consequences it has for the body. In addition, MRI has more contraindications (the presence of metal implants in the body, claustrophobia, a pacemaker installed).

And finally, once again briefly about the difference between CT and MRI:

• CT involves x-rays, MRI - affects the electromagnetic field.
• CT examines the physical state of the selected area, MRI - chemical.
• MRI should be chosen for scanning soft tissues, CT for bones.
• With the behavior of CT, only the part under study is in the scanned device, with MRI - the entire body of a person.
• MRI may be performed more frequently than CT.
• MRI is not performed with claustrophobia, the presence of metal objects in the body, body weight over 200 kg. CT is contraindicated in pregnant women.
• MRI is safer in terms of the degree of impact on the body, but the consequences of the influence of a magnetic field are not yet fully understood.

So, we have analyzed the differences between MRI and CT. In any case, the choice in favor of one or another research method is made by the doctor based on the patient's complaints and the clinical picture.

The use of the latest techniques in body diagnostics makes it possible to detect various pathological changes in the functioning of human systems and organs at an early stage. Today, it is difficult to imagine the development of medicine without non-invasive methods for diagnosing various kinds of diseases, namely, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. But, faced with the choice of one or another diagnostic technique, it is important to know not only the main differences between MRI and CT, as well as their pros and cons, but it is also necessary to understand under what conditions their use would be appropriate.

Principles of operation and main differences between CT and MRI

For a simple understanding of the main differences between MRI and CT, you first need to understand how they work.

When examining parts of the body using MRI, the patient is affected by both pulsating constant magnetic fields and radio frequency radiation. They are formed by a special apparatus - a tomograph. In a matter of seconds, the device sends a radio frequency pulse to a certain area, which causes the hydrogen atoms in the cells of the body to sway and resonate. Further, special equipment collects the received signals, processes them and outputs a three-dimensional image with the chemical structure of the tissues in this area.

In the case of using the CT technique, the part of the patient being examined is exposed in layers to an X-ray beam, which is sent from a special apparatus. Due to the different density of the tissue, the rays are absorbed differently by them, which is fixed by special devices. They process the received data and then issue a layered image of tissue sections, that is, their physical state.

Which is better, MRI or CT?

Since the method of computed tomography is based on X-rays, the patient is exposed to direct radiation during the study, which is the main disadvantage of CT. New developments of designers made it possible to reduce the radiation dose to a minimum, but still the effect on the patient of radiation remained. This cannot be called a plus.

Unlike CT, when diagnosing the body using MRI, the patient is not affected by any radiation at all, which allows doctors to prescribe it even to pregnant women and children. This is the main difference between MRI and CT. Thanks to him, magnetic resonance imaging has become one of the safest methods for research. This is her absolute plus.

In all other respects, MRI differs from CT only in its scope. After reading the information on the site prokishechnik.ru, one can easily understand that MRI is more preferable for focal and diffuse lesions of various parts of the brain, pathologies of the craniospinal junction and spinal cord, as well as for lesions of human cartilage tissue. CT, in turn, is best in diagnosing diseases of the abdomen, chest, base of the skull, pelvis, in detecting tumors, bleeding, etc. Also on the site “about the intestines” the main pros and cons of magnetic and computed tomography are described in more detail, so that you can easily find out the answer to the eternal question “Which is better? MRI or CT?

MRI is more informative for

1. Inflammation of the brain tissue, brain tumors, strokes, multiple sclerosis;
2. Diseases of the spine and any lesions of the spinal cord;
3. Muscular tissue and articular surfaces;
4. Diagnosis of the contents of the pituitary gland, orbit and intracranial nerves;
5. Cancer research at different stages;

CT is more informative for

• Diagnosis of circulatory disorders, brain tumors;
• Damage to the teeth, facial skeleton, thyroid and parathyroid glands, as well as jaws;
• Injuries to the bones of the skull, brain and intracranial hematomas;
• Damage to the temporal bones, paranasal sinuses and bones of the base of the skull;
• Diagnosis of otitis, sinusitis and pyramids of the temporal bones;
• For almost all pathologies in the abdomen;
• Atherosclerotic lesions of blood vessels and aneurysms;
• Research on tuberculosis, lung cancer, pneumonia and other chest pathologies;
• Diseases of the spine (herniated discs, osteoporosis, scoliosis, etc.);
• Observation of metal implants, damaged bones and their diseases.

Before identifying the difference between MRI and CT, it is necessary to understand what these two types of diagnostics are.

CT (computed tomography) is a sequential scan, both of individual areas of the body, and completely (general scan) by means of X-ray irradiation. There are two types of scanning - with a substance (contrast) and ordinary, without the involvement of additional substances and equipment. The procedure is carried out using a capsule, spiral tomograph, the number of spirals (4, 8, 16, 64) directly affects the object of diagnosis (heart, intestines, brain).

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Scanning) is the best diagnostic tool for monitoring soft tissue. In the description of the diagnostic method, the answer to the first question is immediately found: “What is the difference?” - X-ray radiation is not used, a picture of the state of the body is obtained through a magnetic field and the position of radio frequencies. During the procedure, a person is placed in a special capsular, closed tunnel, in which he is scanned.

What is the difference between CT and MRI:

What is the difference between CT and MRI - contraindications

As with any examination method, MRI and CT have their own number of contraindications that prohibit the procedure.

When is it better to refuse magnetic resonance therapy:

If there is a need to undergo a CT examination, no doctor will refuse you, because the technique has no contraindications. It is prohibited only in rare, purely individual cases.

The second difference is the difference in contraindications or their complete absence in CT (except for pregnancy and allergy to contrast).

Difference in preparation between CT and MRI

Before CT, you must strictly refuse to take food and liquids (3-4 hours in advance). The exception is the study of the digestive tract.

Before an MRI, it is always necessary not to eat for 3-4 hours. Before the actual procedure, it is necessary to remove metal objects and removable implants for diagnostic accuracy and safety for the patient.

What is the difference between CT and MRI - how to prepare for the diagnosis.

Conducting CT and MRI referral procedures

While visiting the MRI diagnostic room, you take off things that are harmful for diagnostics, you may undress to the waist. Lie down on the retractable table of the apparatus and you are loaded into the tunnel.

The examination is quite long (25-40 minutes), there is little space inside, so it is better for those suffering from claustrophobia to refrain. The device has a built-in video transmitter and a special microphone for communication with the doctor. The results are ready in a day, you can pick them up yourself, or your doctor will have them. Sometimes an injection of a special solution (5-15 ml) is required to highlight the organ (MRI with contrast).

Before CT there is no rigid framework regarding implants, prostheses. The patient lies on a mechanical couch, which is directed to the tomograph in different ways. There is a lot of space left, so bouts of claustrophobia are excluded. The duration of the procedure is a maximum of 10 minutes. Results are obtained almost immediately.

If we talk about the specifics of the methods, the main differences between them are: the speed of the examination (CT takes less time), the speed of obtaining the result, the amount of free space (especially important for those suffering from claustrophobia) and the type of equipment.

Disadvantages of MRI and CT - where to look for their weaknesses?

Modern medicine is quite developed, but there is no such diagnostic in the world that is 100% perfect, each is endowed with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Errors of MRI diagnostics:

• A large list of contraindications, the impossibility of carrying out in the presence of any artificial material in the body (false teeth, pacemaker, limb prosthesis, piercing).
• The duration of the procedure (25-40 minutes).

The negative side of CT diagnostics:

• The use of X-rays, although not very harmful, is irradiation.
• Inability to study the entire spine (requires too high a dose of radiation).
• It is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women.

The next difference is that MRI is harmless, but contraindications may prevent the appointment of the procedure, it lasts longer than CT. And computed tomography is not suitable for the spine and is not completely harmless.

Difference between CT and MRI appointments

For a comparative analysis, it is important to know which diseases can be detected by each of the methods.

Indications for computed tomography:

• Violation of the musculoskeletal system and diseases of the joints. Helps to identify arthrosis, arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteochondrosis and more. Despite the fact that it is impossible to completely scan the spine. The technique remains one of the most accurate, the first when a violation of the bone apparatus is detected.
• Tumors, growths, bone deformation.
• Injuries, damage to the human skeletal body - fractures, cracks in the bones, dislocations, deviations due to mechanical impact - are detected after receiving the results.
• Changes in the structure, work of blood vessels at the atherosclerotic level.
• When examining the soft tissues of the respiratory apparatus, the gastrointestinal tract and the genital, urinary organs, a contrast study is performed.

When is magnetic resonance therapy needed:

• If tumors, cysts, growths of soft tissues (muscles, organs, adipose tissue) are suspected, the procedure is prescribed only after an initial examination and preliminary results of an ultrasound examination.
• To control the state, the quality of the brain (not only physical factors, but also mental ones). For example, in people with schizophrenia, there is a strong activity in the area of ​​​​the brain responsible for hearing and vision - this indicates hallucinations.
• To detect disorders of the spinal cord.
• To detect pathologies of the soft cartilage of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.

This difference indicates the exclusivity of each of the methods - they are very different and each of them is required for certain pathologies.

How is CT different from MRI - which is better?

A difficult question, because each of the diagnostics is good in its “business”. So which is better MRI or CT?

MRI provides more accurate results in diseases and is recommended if:

CT will be more effective when:

• Mechanical damage, trauma to the brain and cranium.
• Damage to the bone apparatus, its deformation due to mechanical impact.
• Study of the vascular system, heart.
• Purulent diseases - sinusitis, otitis.
• Pathologies in the abdominal cavity.
• Negative changes in the respiratory organs - bronchi, lungs.
• Cancer, degenerative changes in the chest and its organs.

If a full-fledged study of soft, connective, adipose tissues is required, then it is better to choose MRI.

It is harmless to the body and does not charge the body with a small dose of radiation, like computed tomography. An excellent replacement for contrast CT, if individual intolerance, contraindications are detected.

CT has a more intense effect on the body, but if you want to examine the musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, abdominal cavity, it becomes a choice.

It is impossible to say that it is better, but they are different. These are two completely different research methods, which differ in the type of contraindications, indications, method of exposure. According to the characteristics of these diagnostics, as well as the anamnesis, the doctor decides which type of examination will be effective in your case. The main thing is to be regularly examined and monitor your health.

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The level of medicine is currently quite high. There are 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, it is possible to look inside the body and identify pathologies in the development or work of internal organs.

These new diagnostic techniques include magnetic resonance and computed tomography. These studies are often used to clarify the diagnosis. Many people go through 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 as a result of both studies a three-dimensional image of the internal organs is obtained, there is a significant difference between them:

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

A CT scanner works using 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 principle is that there are no X-rays here, and magnetic fields are in the service of a person. Under their influence, the hydrogen atoms present in the patient's body line up in parallel with respect to the direction of the magnetic field.

The machine sends out a radio frequency pulse that travels perpendicular to the main magnetic field. The tissues in the human body enter 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 there is no significant difference 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?

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

CT can also provide a more realistic picture of hollow organs such as the stomach, intestines, and lungs.

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

Computed tomography is best done to examine:

• organs of the respiratory system.
• Kidney.
• Abdominal organs.
• 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 because of the fear of 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 distinguishes MRI from CT is its indications for conducting. not shown:

1. Pregnant women (due to the danger of radiation exposure to the fetus).
2. Children of early age.
3. For frequent use.
4. In the presence of plaster in the study area.
5. With renal failure.
6. During 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. Large patient weight (more than 110 kilograms).
5. The presence of metal implants, for example, in the joints.

All of the listed contraindications are absolute, but before the procedure, you need 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, 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 vertebral 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 memory.
• The probability of getting erroneous information is almost zero.
• No exposure to x-rays.

Considering the features of the device and its principle of operation, during the study, loud knocks are possible, which you should not be afraid of, you can use headphones.

Benefits of Computed Tomography

In appearance, both scanners are very similar. 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:

As you can see, a CT scanner is in no way inferior in its advantages to a magnetic resonance scanner, therefore, what is better - MRI or CT, must be decided in each case.

Disadvantages of each type of study

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

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 effect
• Contraindicated for pregnant women and children.
• You can not do this procedure often.

Informative methods

After visiting the doctor, you will be assigned an examination, which, according to the doctor, will give a more truthful and accurate result.

If you do not know what is more accurate - MRI or CT, then please note 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. Muscle and tendon injuries.
5. Soft tissue tumors.

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

A CT scanner will give more accurate information if there are:

• Suspicion of intracranial hemorrhage, trauma.
• Damage and diseases of bone tissue.
• Respiratory pathology.
• Atherosclerotic vascular lesions.
• Lesions of the facial skeleton, thyroid gland.
• Otitis and sinusitis.

A preoperative study will give an accurate picture of the area of ​​the upcoming surgical intervention.

If you are firmly convinced of the alleged 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 several paragraphs, then you can say the following:

1. The most important difference between these two research methods lies in their principle of operation. MRI uses a magnetic field, while CT uses X-rays.
2. Both methods can be used to diagnose a huge number of pathologies.
3. With the same result, you may be inclined to choose an MRI, since this study is safer, but its cost is more expensive.
4. 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 doesn’t matter which diagnostic method to use, the most important thing is to get an accurate and truthful result and start treatment in a timely manner.

With the advent of the 21st century, medicine has risen to a very high level of progress, having mastered many types of complete examination of the human body. Today, high-tech methods such as CT and MRI are used for these purposes. Read about here.
But often, the patient has a natural question, what is the difference between these types of diagnostics and which one is safer, more effective and preferable. Let's try to understand this dilemma by comparing both methods.

What is CT?

CT (computed tomography) - the principle of diagnosing the body, with which it is possible to obtain clear and detailed images of the necessary internal organs. The examination is carried out using x-rays, or more simply, rays.

In many healthcare institutions in Russia, it is X-ray CT that is the most popular and primary type of examination of human organs.

It is worth noting that this diagnostic method appeared in the world not so long ago, but quickly took a leading position and was recognized by all experts, which makes it possible not to doubt its quality.

CT scan was developed in 1972 two scientists Godfrey Hounsfield and Allan Cormack, who received the Nobel Prize for their discovery.

The principle of operation of CT

Computed tomography does not take much time, its principle of operation is quite simple. During the examination, the patient is placed on a special table, synchronized with a scanner resembling a large ring. The scanner rotates and passes rays through parts of the body.

During this process, a picture of the studied organ in a section is displayed on the doctor's monitor. After that, a picture is taken, which can be printed and studied in more detail. The whole procedure usually takes 5 to 20 minutes. during which a person should lie in a calm state, without making sudden movements.

How to prepare for CT:

• in the evening do not eat solid food;
• do not drink alcohol the day before the procedure;
• consult a doctor in advance;
• take off the clothes.

The tomography process itself is usually carried out by a specialist radiologist, who then issues a conclusion. However, a decoding of the diagnosis can only be obtained from a radiologist, as well as a general practitioner or surgeon.

When is CT used?

X-ray computed tomography helps to see almost any internal organ and part of the body, identifying disorders or pathologies in them.

With the help of CT, you can examine:

1. limbs- will determine violations in the hands, shoulders, knees, etc.
2. spleen- will show irregularities in functioning or size.
3. Liver- detect tumors and bleeding of the liver.
4. chest- helps to find diseases of the heart, lungs, esophagus and aorta.
5. abdominal cavity- examine the esophagus system, determine cysts, tumors, bleeding, inflammation.
6. Bladder- It is mainly used to identify kidney stones and urinary tract obstruction.
7. Pancreas and gallbladder- will find stones or indicate obstruction of the bile ducts.
8. adrenal glands- you can determine the tumor or changes in size.
9. Pelvic area.
10. Spine.

Among other things, CT is able to study such complex parts of our body as blood vessels, blood flow, but, most importantly, X-rays are used to determine tumors and the stage of cancer, showing the spread of metastases.

Contraindications

In almost any case, before you go to see the radiologist and agree to a CT scan, need to consult with a therapist. After all, although this diagnostic is used everywhere, it has some contraindications.

Complications after CT scan:

1. Allergic reaction.
2. Health problems in people with diabetes.
3. Slight risk of failure of implanted medical devices.
4. Panic when suffering from fear of closed spaces.

With caution and only with the permission of a doctor, the CT procedure should be performed by pregnant women, allergy sufferers, diabetics, asthmatics, and claustrophobia.

There is an opinion that CT, due to radiation harmful to humans, causes cancer, especially in those people who are susceptible to this disease. However, this version is still disputed and does not have a definite answer.

What is an MRI?

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) - helps doctors get inside the human body, seeing this or that part of the body, in order to determine violations in it or to establish a disease associated with the pathology of a particular organ.

Tomography excludes physical interference in the body, but with the help of a unique research technology - nuclear magnetic resonance - it allows you to very clearly see even microscopic disorders in both organs and tissues of the human body.

MRI was developed around the same time as CT. The world heard about a new type of diagnostics in 1973, however, it was built on completely different principles than computed tomography, but it was also an effective and safer examination tool.

How MRI works

Magnetic resonance imaging is a rather complicated process of examining the body. He can take from 30 minutes to 2 hours. During the procedure, the patient is placed on a special table, which is then pushed into the scanner-capsule.

The powerful magnet and RF coil inside the structure of the scanner will cause the person to resonate or emit weak radio signals which are collected by the scanner. According to the emitted signals, the doctor will be able to determine whether the organ is healthy or has abnormalities. Then these signals are processed by a powerful computer, issuing image of the desired organ - tomogram.

Preparation for an MRI includes:

• do not eat solid food in the evening;
• before the procedure, remove all jewelry and accessories;
• remove patches;
• inform the doctor if there are implants in the body;
• if part of the clothes is left, you need to empty the pockets.

MRI is not the most pleasant procedure, during which, most often, the patient is placed on his back and pushed into the capsule. Sometimes, it is necessary to fasten the patient with belts so that he is motionless - this is a very important point. In addition, the tomograph makes various noises that are not very pleasant for a person; in some clinics, headphones with music or ear plugs are issued. During the test, the patient may be asked to hold their breath, close their eyes, or not move.

There is another MRI scanner, the so-called lightweight version, which is suitable for people suffering from claustrophobia - the fear of closed spaces. This is an open view scanner where the patient is not placed in a capsule. But this type of diagnostics is not so common in Russia, and therefore it is quite difficult to find a clinic with such equipment. In addition, the quality of the tomogram (image) will most likely not be as good.

When is MRI used?

MRI may not be used in all cases, as some complications can only be determined by a CT scanner with x-rays. However, the most popular diagnoses with which patients come to the doctor are quite simple to identify using the magnetic resonance method.

MRI diagnostics allows you to examine:

1. Brain- bruises, changes in cerebral fluid, tumors.
2. All parts of the spine– pathology of the spine, trauma.
3. joints- infections and lesions.
4. Vessels- pathologies.
5. Abdomen- Ulcers, bleeding, tumors.
6. Liver– inflammation, bleeding, stones
7. Rib cage- heart disease, cardiovascular disease, changes in the respiratory organs.
8. Bladder- stones, obstruction.

MRI can also detect such a terrible disease as a malignant tumor. At the same time, the device will show the first symptoms when cancer is just beginning to develop in the body.

Answer to the question: - read here.

Contraindications

Until now, the effect of the magnetic field used in MRI on humans has not been fully studied. It is only known that this magnet is very powerful. In this connection, doctors do not recommend MRI, for example, for people with metal implants in the body.

In addition, there are such contraindications as:

• iron tattoo pigments;
• Permanent makeup;
• medical plasters on the body;
• claustrophobia;
• pacemakers and other medical implants;
• dental crowns.

Allergy sufferers, people with heart failure, hearing loss and pregnant women should also consult their doctor before taking an MRI capsule.

Distinctive features of CT and MRI

Computed and magnetic resonance imaging to date have equally reached their peak of perfection. These are high-tech methods of flat examination of the human body, used in almost all medical institutions. Both methods allow diagnosing almost all parts of the body., organs and tissues, as well as display high-quality images of the examined area.

However MRI and CT have completely different methods of influencing the human body. The equipment used for both types is radically different in principle of operation, device and structure. Patients are increasingly choosing a computer method, while doctors recommend magnetic resonance.

Their fundamental difference:

• MRI is based on the work of a magnetic field, and CT is based on x-rays;
• MRI determines the chemical composition of the examined part, and CT sees the physical state;
• MRI examines predominantly soft tissues, and CT examines the skeleton;
• MRI is performed in a closed capsule, where the person is completely placed, and with CT, only the necessary part of the body is placed in a closed area;
• MRI is a time-consuming procedure, and CT is done much faster;

It is believed that MRI is a safer procedure for the body, which excludes radiation by rays, therefore, magnetic examination can be performed more often than a computer one. However, even here a controversial issue arises, because the effect of a magnetic field on a person has not been fully studied by medicine.

Advantages and disadvantages of MRI and CT

Patients, choosing a diagnostic method for themselves, often pay attention only to the advantages of the procedure: its low cost, availability of the device in the nearest clinic, quick results. But it is worth paying attention to the shortcomings, which in the end can give an inaccurate result and lead to complications.

Advantages of CT:

• fast;
• inexpensive;
• excellent examination of bone structures;
• high quality image of the skeleton;
• comfort of the procedure.

Disadvantages of CT:

• difficult to determine the early stage of cancer;
• soft tissues are difficult to see;
• radiation from x-rays;
• contraindications during pregnancy.

Advantages of MRI:

• excellent examination of soft tissues;
• the availability of the procedure, which is done in almost all clinics;
• impact on the body not by radiation, but by radio waves;
• detection of a tumor at an early stage;
• the image is not only transverse, but also longitudinal sections.

Disadvantages of MRI:

• inability to detect certain bone pathologies;
• the procedure takes too long;
• high cost;
• the impossibility of examining people, for example, with claustrophobia.

Which is better: CT or MRI?

It is impossible to answer this question unequivocally., because in medical practice there are many cases when patients had to do two research methods at once in order to identify all the shortcomings of the body. This suggests that one type of diagnostic can both replace another and supplement it. So, when detecting cancer, two methods can be used at once - one will show the number of metastases, the other - the tumor itself.

Both the patient himself, depending on his personal preferences, and the attending physician, who will surely determine which scan will be most effective in a particular case, can choose between MRI and CT.