Question 1

i am getting a mri of brain with and without dye.what can the dye show that no dye will not show?im afraid of the dye.last ct scan dye caused tremors.

Accepted Answer

Enhancement: Contrast helps the MRI study by determining if there is any abnormal contrast accumulation called "enhancement". Enhancement can occur in the presence of infection, inflammation, and tumors. The contrast is very safe in patients who have normally functioning kidneys. So, contrast helps the MRI give maximum information.

Question 2

liver ct shows growth of hemangioma 4.6cm & 3 new lesions. onc didn't agree with it so ordered mri. brain mri added d/t nausea. could this be mets?

Accepted Answer

Possible: Although benign etiology like hemangioma is possible, however, due to your history of breast cancer 2-3 years ago- i think an MRI of the liver should be done to really rule out possibility of  metastatic disease- especially with reported- " new lesions" on ct scan. Or other options is to get a pet scan. Having said that,  i really do hope that it turns out to be nothing serious.

Question 3

what's the difference between a ct scan of head and mri.?brain zaps, eyes jump back and forth, panic, confusion at times.doc says i'm ok don't need mri.

Accepted Answer

Both can be useful: A ct scan uses ionizing radiation to get a picture of the brain tructures, and it is good for seeing blood, calcium and major abnormalities.  An MRI uses magnetic energy to get a picture of the brain and is better for seeing the soft tissues of the brain, the detailed anatomy, and minor abnormalities.

Question 4

what does a brain mri show that ct scan doesn't?

Accepted Answer

Tissue views: While CT scans show bone (fractures)  better than MRI, the newer technologies with MRI will show tissues ( think stroke, multiple sclerosis, small tumors or aneurysms) better, and may show real time activity from circulation as well. Side benefit is no radiation from MRI compared to CT.

Question 5

if a brain mri shows no acute process but only a nonspecific signal change in left parietal, is it advisable to do a ct scan considering its risk?

Accepted Answer

Not necessary : It is not necessary to undergo a CT. Of course it would depend on why you had the MRI in the first place. Most of these findings that are called nonspecific are vascular spaces and not by themselves a cause to worry

Question 6

would a brain mri w/o contrast & a ct scan with and w/o contrast show a brain tumor causing symptoms? worried that it could have been missed.

Accepted Answer

MRI: A MRI with contrast is sufficient to detect evidence of a brain tumor. If there is any question as to whether a brain tumor is present or not, one can opt to repeat the MRI of the brain with contrast three months after the last MRI brain was obtained.

Question 7

ct scan showed spot on brain! mri showed nothing why? which one is right?

Accepted Answer

Discuss with Doctors: We can not comment on the results of the MRI and CAT SCAN.We don't know why the tests were ordered and what does the spot mean and it's location and interpretation by the Radiologist.You have to discuss these findinngs as they apply to you based on your clinical status

Question 8

which one is better at detecting blood clots (in the brain) mri or ct scan?

Accepted Answer

Neither: If you are looking for a blood clot, an angiogram and an mra are the most specific. After the damage from a clot is done, the quickest test to show it will be an mri. Ct will show a stroke 48-72 hrs unless it's a bleeding stroke, w in which case it will show sooner.

Question 9

does a radiologist look for regional brain atrophy in a routine brain mri/ct scan?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The radiologist looks for any abnormal anatomical variation whether it be atrophy, malformation, infarction, hemorrhage, tumor or mass effect. Thanks.

Question 10

can a brain mri miss a skull abnormality? is it reasonable to ask a doctor for ct scan after receiving a brain mri to rule out skull deformities?

Accepted Answer

: CT is better than MRI for bone structure but it should not miss a skull abnormality. Take care.

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Doctor answers about:

What does an mri of the brain show that a ct scan doesn t

A member asked:

I am getting a mri of brain with and without dye.what can the dye show that no dye will not show?im afraid of the dye.last ct scan dye caused tremors.

A member asked:

Liver ct shows growth of hemangioma 4.6cm & 3 new lesions. onc didn't agree with it so ordered mri. brain mri added d/t nausea. could this be mets?

A member asked:

What's the difference between a ct scan of head and mri.?brain zaps, eyes jump back and forth, panic, confusion at times.doc says i'm ok don't need mri.

A member asked:

What does a brain mri show that ct scan doesn't?

A member asked:

If a brain mri shows no acute process but only a nonspecific signal change in left parietal, is it advisable to do a ct scan considering its risk?

A member asked:

Would a brain mri w/o contrast & a ct scan with and w/o contrast show a brain tumor causing symptoms? worried that it could have been missed.

A member asked:

Ct scan showed spot on brain! mri showed nothing why? which one is right?

A member asked:

Which one is better at detecting blood clots (in the brain) mri or ct scan?

A member asked:

Does a radiologist look for regional brain atrophy in a routine brain mri/ct scan?

A member asked:

Can a brain mri miss a skull abnormality? is it reasonable to ask a doctor for ct scan after receiving a brain mri to rule out skull deformities?

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