CT and MRI differ in two basic ways.CT uses x-rays to detect and record the radiation absorbed by different tissues, and sends the data to a computer to transform into images. MRI does not use x-rays. Instead, MRI employs a powerful magnetic field to monitor the nuclei of hydrogen atoms in water, the most abundant element in the body.

Both MRI and CT scans make cross-sectional images (slices) of pretty much any area of the body using a sophisticated computer system. The major difference is that an MRI uses a large magnet and radio waves to produce images while a CT scanner uses x-rays. Therefore, with the MRI studies, there is no exposure to x-rays.

Computed Tomography (CT) uses x-rays to create a cross-sectional image of the body part being examined. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a high field strength magnet and radio waves to generate a cross-sectional image.

Our preferred provider for mammograms, CTs, and MRIs is Bexar Imaging Centers. There are two locations one is located across from North Star Mall and other is off 7622 Louis Pasteur across from the Methodist Children's Emergency Room.

CT and MRI provide different kinds of information. Your doctor determines which is the most appropriate test for you, and sometimes both are necessary. While both scanners are similar in appearance, CT scanners make images is by using x-rays to plot the difference in electron density of adjacent tissues, and MR scanners, as described above, make images based on differences in the density and behaviour of hydrogen protons.

A PET scan produces images of metabolic activity as opposed to images of the body's physical structures that are derived from these other imaging tests. This is important because functional changes often predates structural changes in tissues. PET images may therefore demonstrate changes long before they would be revealed by modalities like CT and MRI.

Unlike x-ray exams, MRI does not use ionizing (x-ray) radiation. Instead, MR creates high-quality images through the combination of a strong magnetic field and radio waves.

Intravenous contrast material is often, but not always, used in today's CT and MRI studies to help with diagnosis. An iodine based material is used for CT and gadolinium is used for MRI. The purpose is to “enhance” the tissues and organs of the body in such a way as to make them better stand out from each other, and to allow better visualization of abnormal areas within normal areas. This ability to differentiate normal from abnormal is important to make the correct diagnosis.

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and does not utilize radiation. Instead, a strong magnetic field and radio waves are combined to create high-quality images of soft tissue which cannot be detected by an X-ray.

All four are useful for non-invasive medical imaging. X-rays Conventional X-ray images are usually on photographic film or a fluorescent screen. X-rays from an X-ray tube pass through the body and the difference in absorption by different structures in the body is what produces contrast in the images. The images are 2D projections of a 3D object so they contain overlapping structures.

MRI scan is excellent at showing soft tissue such as spinal cord, nerve roots and herniated discs. A CT scan shows bone detail and some soft tissue. When looking for herniated discs or tumors, an MRI image will usually reveal much more detail.

CT and MRI scans are anatomic imaging modalities, which means they look at the size and shape of organs and body structures. Therefore, they can be useful in determining the size and location of a tumor; however, neither of them can determine whether a tumor is still active. A PET or PET•CT scan is a metabolic imaging modality, which means it looks at function. The information collected from a PET or PET•CT scan is different from any other test that is available. Here at St.

If you have a pacemaker, you should not be imaged because the pacemaker may be damaged in the magnetic field of the scanner. If you have metal filings, shrapnel, or ferromagnetic clips or pins in your body, you probably will not be imaged because these objects could be twisted by the magnetic field and cause serious injuries. Most new surgical metal implants are made of a high quality stainless steel which is non-magnetic. You can be imaged with these. Dental fillings and bridgework are okay.

MRIs are multidimensional and x-ray is one-dimensional. X-ray images boney tissue but MRI can image soft tissue.

The residents gain experience in CT and MRI on their chest, abdomen, musculoskeletal and neuroradiology rotations. They are encouraged to review any ultrasound studies performed on their patients and correlate them with the CT and MRI findings. As noted above, there are separate rotations in ultrasound because of its unique nature and operator dependency. Residents are also taught the necessity of developing standard protocols to efficiently utilize expensive equipment such as CT and MRI.

MRI is more sensitive to subtle changes in soft tissues, particularly the brain and spinal cord. It is the primary imaging method for evaluation of joints, especially the knee, ankle, shoulder, and wrist.