CT scan vs MRI scan| 4 differences between MRI and CT scan

Last updated on April 27th, 2022 at 11:59 am

Both CT scan and MRI are Diagnostic tool they both are used to view inside our body. Doctors use the images to recognise internal injury or internal derangement and can plan their treatment accordingly. But what makes them different, CT scan vs MRI?

Both MRI and CT scan uses technology to diagnose internal injury or damage, but they are not the same. They have a common purpose to see inside our body and diagnose the internal rupture internal injury or fracture. Look for the collection of fluid and get an idea.

But they both have a very different approach and a very different purpose. So let us start with the technology they use.

CT scan vs MRI scan: 4 Differences between CT scan and MRI

1) The technology behind

The first point is the difference in the Technology behind it. One of the most important differences between the CT scan and MRI is the technology that is used for both.

CT Scan uses X-ray, the X-ray beam is projected from a different angle and an image is generated that gives a cross-sectional view of our body. It’s like when we slice a loaf of bread, so as to get a cross-sectional view of the body. But MRI uses a very high-intensity magnetic field that is projected from different angles and a 3D image is generated.

2) Indication of CT scan and MRI

CT Scan is usually prescribed to get an overview of the problem. Suppose there is a collection of fluid inside the chest (or inside the brain or skull) then we just need an overview of how much fluid is collected. In this case, a CT Scan is the preferred mode of Investigation. Other examples are a bone fracture or any growth of a tumour inside different organs.

But MRI is used to get structural details, very minute structural details of the internal injury. For example, if you have an ankle ligament injury or sprain or ligament injury of the knee joint then most of your doctors would refer you for an MRI.

So MRI uses a high-intensity magnetic field and generates detailed 3D images of the structure so that we can get the structural details of the injury.

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3) Expense

CT Scan usually takes only 5 to 10 minutes for the whole process as it uses X-rays for the diagnosis. But MRI takes more than 30 minutes or about an hour. The person who is going to receive the MRI is told to drink lots of water and they are given an earplug with music.

An earplug is given so that the humming sound of the machine doesn’t disturb them and they can remain in a still position for more periods. Because of the complicated procedure and technology, MRI is far more expensive than CT scans.

4) Difference is the contraindications

CT Scan is contraindicated in pregnancy and if one is having a tumour or cancer is like growth in the body. All the contraindication that is applied on an x-ray is also valid in and CT scan.

In MRI, the person with an internal metal implant (total knee replacement), cardiac pacemaker then it is strictly contraindicated. This is because MRI uses a very high magnetic field and it may cause damage to the metallic implant.

It can also cause damage to the pacemaker of the heart. So a person with a metallic implant is strictly indicated contraindicated in MRI.

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