CAT vs. MRI
What is difference between CAT Radiography and MRI ? Advances in the field of medical science have made the field of the body much easier to know with CAT and MRI radiographs. Computed Axial Tomography (CAT or CT) was presented in 1970. Since CT radiography, this medical tool has become very popular. MRI (Magnetic Resonance) radiography is a relatively new technique that was developed in the eighties. MRI uses magnetic and radial waves to obtain an image of the body. In this way patients are not exposed to any radiation or magnetic field.
Difference between CAT Radiography and MRI
MRI is widely used by doctors to examine various disease conditions. This procedure is easy and a non-invasive way to examine tissues, organs and the skeletal system. This is very commonly used to examine tumors, aneurysms, attacks and injuries of the spine. This also helps in examinations of the heart and blood vessels and for the detection of bone infections.
The MRI machine is made of a giant magnet that is tube-shaped. In this procedure, the patient is placed inside the tube to obtain a medical image. MRI aligns the body’s water molecules and uses radio waves to capture the image. While going through this process all metal accessories should be removed and technicians kept informed about the internal metal inserts made in previous surgeries.
Due to the process and the technology involved in the X-rays, the MRI scanner is very expensive for many people. This scanner takes 30 minutes to complete an exam.
The CT helps to examine the bone structure and the anatomy of the organs. The diagnosis of bone tumors and fractures, blood clots, cancer and internal bleeding are very popular among medical practitioners. Compared to MRI, CT is safe to use with those patients who have a pacemaker. Drinking contrast fluids before taking the x-ray helps get a much clearer picture of blood vessels and other structures.
CT exams are less expensive and use the X-ray technique for examination. As in an X-ray process, the patient is exposed to a considered amount of radiation. One should avoid this type of x-ray if she is pregnant. The patient is placed inside a machine for complete examination. The next thing is that the X-ray unit passes around the body to capture the body image.
The CT scanner is much more popular because it is less expensive than the MRI. This scanner also produces a clearer and more detailed picture of the bone structure. The total duration of this exam is 5 minutes. The cons are exposure to radiation and less detail in the bone tissues.
In Summary:
- MRI is the best and easiest way to obtain a non-invasive image for the examination of tissues, organs and the skeletal system.
- CAT is best when examining the bone structure and the anatomy of the organs with moderate exposure to radiation.
- Compared to MRI, CT is safer to use in patients with a pacemaker.
- CAT is less expensive compared to MRI.