When is it more useful to conduct a CT scan instead of an MRI scan?

Question

PS. I don't really know much about this stuff

Answer 1

Whether to conduct a CT Scan or MRI depends on part of the body to be examined and reason for exam.

CT is good for soft tissues such as chest and abdomen but does not show tendon and ligaments.

CT is preferred modality for cancer,pneumonia and bleeding in the brain specially from injury,but tumor in brain is better seen on MRI.

Broken bones and vertebral bodies are better seen on CT but injury to spinal-cord better assesed on MRI.

Answer 2

Usually in an emergency situation.

For example, if somebody has been involved in a bad car accident and is rushed to the emergency room, usually a CT scan will be used to check for internal head and body injuries. A MRI is more in depth, but is almost never available in emergency situations.

Hope I was able to help. If you would like any more information or have further questions feel free to email me.

Dr.Kev

Answer 3

CT rapidly creates detailed pictures of the body, including the brain, chest, and abdomen. The test may be used to:

    * Study blood vessels

    * Identify masses and tumors, including cancer

    * Guide a surgeon to the right area during a biopsy

Combining MRIs with other imaging methods can often help the doctor make a more definitive diagnosis.

MRI images taken after a special dye (contrast) is delivered into the body may provide additional information about the blood vessels.

An MRA, or magnetic resonance angiogram, is a form of magnetic resonance imaging, which creates three-dimensional pictures of blood vessels. It is often used when traditional angiography cannot be done.