Question 1

what can an mri show that a ct can't?

Accepted Answer

It depends: Both are very good at imaging various parts of the body.  Depending on the body part and the question being asked, ct or MRI may be better.  In general, MRI can "see" the soft tissues a little better (e.g.,  brain and spinal cord, rotator cuff) and ct is sometimes better for looking at the bones (e.g., facial fractures, sinuses).  Doctors work closely with radiologists to determine the best test.

Question 2

what is the difference between an mri and a ct?

Accepted Answer

MRI/CT: A CT scan uses x-ray radiation to generate an image.  An MRI uses magnetic fields "tuned" to the frequency of protons in the body.  Since each scan essentially measures a different property of tissues in the body, they are complementary tests.  That is why if one doesn't provide a definitive answer, often the other will be ordered.

Question 3

can you please tell me how mri and ct scans differ?

Accepted Answer

Read more here: Please see these two articles for a more in-depth differentiation of the two: 

mri:  http://www.Conciergeradiologist.Com/mri-scan.Html

ct:
http://www.Conciergeradiologist.Com/ct-scan.Html.

Question 4

would an mri or ct show something the size of a pinhead, about 2mm?

Accepted Answer

Close, if there is: Enough contrast with adjacent structures.  Radiologists (physicians with 5 or more years of additional training after medical school) routinely identify pulmonary nodules in the lung down to 2 millimeters, and 1 mm nodules can sometimes be identified.

Certainly, 3 mm nodules are clearly seen at both ct and MRI in many organs, if different in appearance from the surrounding tissue.

Question 5

what is the major difference between ct and mri technology? how are the results different?

Accepted Answer

CT : Ct and MRI are complementary exams in many cases, which means that we can examine the same body area and get different "looks" to help us figure out what we are seeing. Ct uses ionizing radiation, while MRI uses magnetic fields to create images. (a physicist once reminded me that a magnetic field is also radiation, but the kind that people talk so much about, in relation to cancer potential, is the ionizing type.)

example: when a kidney or liver mass is seen at ct, a radiologist might suggest that an MRI could help to further clarify (1) whether it is real, or (2) what it is. We don't always need an MRI to clarify a ct finding, just sometimes. That "sometimes" is determined by the radiologist, depending on how the abnormality looks at ct.

Question 6

can a diagnostic/interventional neuroradiologist give a comprehensive consultation including the evaluation of the radiological images (ct, mri) and physical evaluation? or is his/her consultation limited to the evaluation of the images only?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely.

I : Absolutely.

I am an interventional radiologist and perfrom many diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.  I frequently see patients in my clinic and perform a comprehensive consultation.  I also follow my patients after their procedure.  Additionally, i spend some of my time as a diagnostic radiololgist.

Most diagnostic radiologists do not perform comprehensive consulations.  However, an interventional neuroradiologist will certainly see patients and perform consultations in anticipation of a possible procedure.

Question 7

how much for a ct scan vs mri?

Accepted Answer

About the same: There were appreciable differences in previous years but most facilities charge about $800-1000 for a ct and about $1200-1500 for an mri.  It can vary greatly depending on where you have it done.
Call ahead and try to negotiate a price.

Question 8

which is safe and mri or ct scan?

Accepted Answer

Both are safe.....: Mri has no ionizing radiation, thus there is no risk of radiation induced cancer. However, MRI is not for everyone. If you are claustrophobic, have a heart pacer, or have shrapnel you may not be able to have an mri. Ct does have radiation, but the dose is very small and in most cases less than you are exposed to just by living on earth for one year. You, your doc and radiologist should decide.

Question 9

how do a ct scan and a mri differ?

Accepted Answer

Imaging tests: Ct uses radiation, like multiple x-rays.  Mri uses magnets, and is very useful in characterizing soft tissue differences such as in the brain or joints, but also is more expensive and takes much more time.

Question 10

how are an mri and ct scan different?

Accepted Answer

Differences: The ct scan uses radiation from multiple x-ray devices to see internal organs. The MRI uses very strong magnetism to orient the body's water molecules and see internal structures such as ligaments, joints, brain, etc. Each study has its own individual benefits or indications.

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Cost of mri vs ct

A member asked:

What can an mri show that a ct can't?

A member asked:

What is the difference between an mri and a ct?

A member asked:

Can you please tell me how mri and ct scans differ?

A member asked:

Would an mri or ct show something the size of a pinhead, about 2mm?

A member asked:

What is the major difference between ct and mri technology? how are the results different?

A member asked:

Can a diagnostic/interventional neuroradiologist give a comprehensive consultation including the evaluation of the radiological images (ct, mri) and physical evaluation? or is his/her consultation limited to the evaluation of the images only?

A member asked:

How much for a ct scan vs mri?

A member asked:

Which is safe and mri or ct scan?

A member asked:

How do a ct scan and a mri differ?

A member asked:

How are an mri and ct scan different?

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