Which is better, more informative, more effective, more precisely, safer - diagnosis of CT or MRI: comparison. What is the difference between CT and MRI, what is their difference? How often and after how much can you do after CT MRI? Can an MRI be replaced with CT?

In this article, we will consider the difference between CT and MRI, and also find out for which studies this diagnosis can be used.

Content

In the diagnosis of a particular disease, many different methods and technologies are used. CT and MRI are one of the most progressive and main modern methods of computer examination. With their help, experts can detect the pathologies of the body, as well as the presence of tumors in it. However, these methods have different methods of exposure, as well as the cost. We will consider which one is the best in which cases it is worth using MRI, and in which CT, and what is the advantage of everyone.

What is the diagnosis-computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which it shows: definition

Computed tomography and MRI are one of the most popular diagnostics of all body systems. In order to determine the principle of operation and the influence of CT and MRI, it is necessary to determine what is meant by these terms.

CT (computed tomography) - Research method using x -rays. However, the image is not displayed in a flat form, as in standard diagnosis, but allows a specialist to consider data in a volume of 3D. Thanks to the design of the mechanism, doctors have the opportunity to assess the condition of all vital organs, blood vessels and systems in a few minutes of examination.
Magnetic resonance imaging - This is a diagnosis using electromagnetic waves. However, due to a similar effect on the body, it is possible to assess the condition of the human organs and systems as well as, when using computed tomography, because all information is modeling in 3D format.

Examination of CT and MRI allow you to identify the structure, pathology and dysfunction:

Brain
Cervical and lumbar spine
Abdominal cavity
Intestines
Kidneys
Liver
Pancreas and stomach
Chest
Knee and hip joint
Identify bone damage
Lungs
Inspect the pelvic organs
Sinus of the nose and larynx
Diagnose the adrenal glands
Hearts
Gallbladder
Identify pathologies of the mammary glands

In addition, using these methods, blood vessels are examined in all areas of the human body. Also using MRI, various diseases of all body systems are diagnosed:

When examining the liver, you can detect: cirrhosis, fatty hepatosis, abscess, steatogepatosis
In the process of examining the lungs: tuberculosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, cystic fibrosis
When examining the gall bladder and pancreas: cholecystitis, golitiasis, pancreatitis
Diagnosis of the gastrointestinal tract allows you to identify: ulcers of the stomach and intestines, hernia
Studies of the brain show: concussions, consequences and prerequisites for stroke, hydrocephalus, bouts of epilepsy, damage to the integrity of the organ
MRI of the heart indicates the presence or possibility of developing heart attack, circulatory violation, tachycardia
Kidney research allow specialists to diagnose nephritis, hydronephrosis, glomerulonephritis

CT studies are effective in diagnosing diseases of bones, joints and soft tissues:

When diagnosing the thoracic and cervical region, you can identify: scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis, osteochondrosis
In the process of examining the sinuses: sinusitis, rhinitis, sinusitis
In the study of soft tissues: abscesses, postoperative complications, internal hematomas, suppuration, malignant and benign tumors, lesions of the lymphatic system and the presence of metastases
When diagnosing bones: fractures, dislocations, cracks and various damage
In the diagnosis of nerve endings,: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson, Gentington, thrombophlebitis is diagnosed
When examining the pelvic organs, you can identify: cyst, uterine bend, erosion, tumors

What is the difference between CT and MRI, what is their difference?

The examinations of computed and magnetic resonance imaging have a number of distinctive features. To understand how they differ, what they show and what is the difference in using these methods, it is necessary to highlight the main characteristics of each of them. For CT, the following features are inherent:

For research, x -rays are used
During the examination, the patient receives a moderate degree of exposure to radiation
Several micro -apparates are simultaneously directed to the body, which affect without stopping throughout the entire inspection process
The use of CT is similar to the principle of applying an X -ray apparatus

For the MRI method, inherent in the following characteristics:

The use of electromagnetic waves
Anesthesia is sometimes used to examine patients in childhood
The influence of the apparatus takes more time
Exposure to electromagnetic waves change
When examining the patient, movement is prohibited for the entire period of the procedure

Which is better, more informative, more effective, more precisely, safer - CT or MRI diagnostics: Comparison

When choosing a study, many patients think about the question: “What is better and what are the advantages of using computed and magnetic resonance imaging?” In order to give an answer, it is important to familiarize yourself with the consequences, indications and stages of the procedure that accompanies the examination. In general, the following features are characterized by MRI and CT.

A similar examination method (the patient falls on a special couch, which is placed in a spherical apparatus, where the body is examined for the presence of deviations and tumors).
Distinguish between open and closed MRI (when using the device of the first type, a person has the opportunity to see the entire room, so this technology is often used to diagnose patients who are afraid of closed spaces).
CT and MRI have high image quality, so both methods can be used to diagnose almost all diseases. However, computed tomography is more effective when examining bones and voluminous organs (stomach, lungs, kidneys).
When studying the whole body, CT takes about 10-15 minutes, while the use of magnetic resonance imaging requires 20 to 60 minutes.

To diagnose a patient using MRI, you need to buy additional one -time equipment.
The cost of examination using computed tomography is slightly lower.
In the process of diagnosis, the patient is not allowed to move, but it is easier to transfer CT, since the procedure does not require a lot of time.
For patients with physical abnormalities, as well as a large body weight, it is not always possible to conduct computed tomography due to the design features of the device.
Due to the use of x-rays, CT is unacceptable to use hypersensitive patients.
It is forbidden to conduct an examination of MRI in those people in whose bodies there are elements of any iron alloys, as well as electronic devices.
Based on the data obtained by examining an MRI or CT, a specialist can make the same prognosis, as well as make a single diagnosis, since the patient’s information will be identical.

Therefore, to answer the question: "What is better to choose?" - It is necessary to consult with the attending physician, as well as inform him of the presence of contraindications or other related diseases and injuries.

Advantages of MRI over CT: List

In order to determine which of the methods it is better to use for adults and children, it is necessary to understand the advantages of both methods. The main advantages are:

The results of the results of the analysis of MRI show better images of the brain, as well as the presence of pathologies and dysfunctions in it.
When using magnetic resonance imaging, the patient is not amenable to multiple effects of x-rays.
MRI data show better nerve endings, as well as their inactive areas.
Before using MRI examination, a number of drugs can be administered intravenously to increase the contrast and image quality.

With the use of open magnetic resonance imaging, there is the possibility of diagnosing diseases in people with disabilities and seriously ill, as well as people who are psychologically not resistant to closed tight spaces.
The use of MRI allows you to identify bone pathologies, as well as the presence of cracks and osteochondrosis in the early stages.
The use of magnetic resonance imaging has practically no contraindications. Therefore, it is allowed to use for the purpose of diagnosis for most patients, including children.

Which is more expensive: CT or MRI?

It is no secret that the cost of quality medical services is not distinguished by public. However, if any disease is suspected, you should not save on a professional examination, because it will depend on the diagnosis that further treatment and progression of pathological processes will depend. When choosing between CT and MRI, it is important to consider the following factors:

When using magnetic resonance imaging, a number of medications are not rarely used that affect the body in such a way that the image of the results looks more bright and clearly.
When using the MRI apparatus, the body is not given the influence of harmful x -rays, however, unlike them, electromagnetic waves should be periodically necessary and repair, which increases the cost of the provision of services.
Since the MRI method requires a longer time to process the results, drugs aimed at calming or administration for the examination period are used for small patients.

Thus, you can summarize:

The use of the MRI apparatus is more expensive
The effects of electromagnetic waves are safe
Examination using the MRI device is more informative
The apparatus of magnetic resonance imaging is suitable for most patients: including children, women at all stages of pregnancy (if necessary) and disabled people

Can an MRI be replaced with CT?

Many patients do not want to conduct an examination using MRI for many reasons, the main of which is the cost and availability of the device. After all, this device is not always available in clinics in small cities and villages. In order to determine whether it is possible to replace magnetic resonance imaging with computed tomography, the following factors must be taken into account:

The impact of x -rays can lead to more serious complications of pathologies. Therefore, CT is prescribed only if the patient has no prerequisites for cancer
Pregnant women and children are strictly prohibited by the use of computed tomography
To diagnose nerve endings, brain and soft tissues, the results of CT will not have sufficient information
If the patient previously underwent cancer, computed tomography can provoke relapse
To diagnose soft tissues and small vessels, the use of CT results will not be enough to prescribe a diagnosis
Due to the features of the design of the device, computed tomography is impossible for patients suffering from fear of closed spaces with mental disorders, as well as suffering from the morbid form of obesity

Therefore, in order to learn about the possibility of replacing the examination method, you need to consult a doctor, and also talk about the presence of concomitant diseases or attacks of claustrophobia.

Is it possible to make CT and MRI on one day and how long after CT you can make an MRI?

To understand whether it is possible to undergo a study using MRI and CT on one day, it is necessary to rely on the rules of general use of these devices:

Magnetic resonance examination several times a year is permissible in the direction of the doctor after suffered diseases of the heart, brain or surgical intervention.
For children CT is undesirable. Therefore, after the initial examination, as a rule, the use of the MRI apparatus is prescribed.
In order to conduct additional diagnostics, the interval between examinations with the device of computed tomography must be at least 1 month.
After using CT, magnetic resonance tomography is allowed to do, even if the studies are carried out on the same day.

Most people are wondering: “How often can an adult and a child be done: MRI or CT?” In order to answer this question, it is important to consider the following factors:

Do not diagnose without a doctor's prescription
The use of computed tomography is not allowed more than 3 times a year
At the age of 3 magnetic resonance diagnostics is not recommended
For pregnant patients in the early stages, the use of MRI with medical medicines can be dangerous. However, this method is permissible in the second and third trimesters, if there are prerequisites for the threat of a woman's life
In order to prevent diseases in adults, it is enough to conduct an examination of MRI and CT once a year, if the attending physician considers this method appropriate
Regular diagnosis using magnetic resonance imaging is permissible if there are prerequisites for relapse of the disease, and there are also no contraindications and supersensitivity to manifesting drugs

What is better to choose, do an adult and a child: MRI or CT?

To determine which of the two diagnostic methods will be the most effective, it is important to first consult a doctor. Indeed, in the case of each individual disease and the rate of progression of the disease, the specialist independently decides on the advisability of using one or another method. Summarizing the following factors can be distinguished:

Computed tomography for children under 3 years old is not allowed
For women with pregnancy for a period of 2 trimester, the use of MRI is more effective and safer
When examining the body for objects of pathologies of bone tissues and internal organs, it is recommended to diagnose CT
Magnetic resonance tomography is more expensive, but it is more effective and safe
CT and MRI is permissible to do one day
The use of computed tomography is not allowed over 3 times a year

Thus, the following conclusions can be drawn:

MRI is more safe for health, since when it is used, there is no x -ray radiation
Examinations using computed tomography faster
Apply MRI is permissible for both children and adults

As you can see, CT and MRI are the necessary studies that are carried out in our time quite often. Both CT and MRI have their advantages and disadvantages, so before you go for the examination, consult your doctor, tell him about the state of your health and get a direction from him.