Comparison chart
CT Scan MRI
The effective radiation dose from CT
ranges from 2 to 10 mSv, which is
about the same as the average person
Radiation None. MRI machines do not emit
receives from background radiation in
exposure ionizing radiation.
3 to 5 years. Usually, CT is not
recommended for pregnant women or
children unless absolutely necessary.
MRI costs range from $1,200 to
CT Scan costs range from $1,200 to $4,000 (with contrast), which is
Cost $3,200; they usually cost less than usually more expensive than CT
MRIs (about half the price of MRI). scans and X-rays, and most
examining methods.
Usually completed within 5 minutes. Depending on what the MRI is
Actual scan time usually less than 30 looking for, and where it is needing to
Time taken for
seconds. Therefore, CT is less look, the scan may be quick (finished
complete scan
sensitive to patient movement than in 10-15 minutes) or may take a long
MRI. time (2 hours).
Acronym for Computed (Axial) Tomography Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
No biological hazards have been
reported with the use of MRI.
Despite being small, CT can pose the
Effects on the However, some may be allergic to the
risk of irradiation. Painless,
body contrast dye, which is also
noninvasive.
inappropriate for those suffering from
kidney or liver disorders.
Ability to With capability of MDCT, isotropic
MRI machines can produce images in
change the imaging is possible. After helical scan
any plane. Plus, 3D isotropic imaging
imaging plane with Multiplanar Reformation
also can also produce Multiplanar
without moving function, an operator can construct any
Reformation.
the patient plane.
Suited for bone injuries, Lung and
Suited for Soft tissue evaluation, e.g.,
Chest imaging, cancer detection.
Application ligament and tendon injury, spinal
Widely used on Emergency Room
cord injury, brain tumors, etc.
patients.
Details of bony Provides good details about bony
Less detailed compared to X-ray
structures structures
A major advantage of CT is that it is
Details of soft Much higher soft tissue detail as
able to image bone, soft tissue and
tissues compare to CT scan.
blood vessels all at the same time.
Principle used Uses large external field, RF pulse
Uses X-rays for imaging
for imaging and 3 different gradient fields
MRI is more versatile than the X-Ray
Scope of CT can outline bone inside the body
and is used to examine a large variety
application very accurately.
of medical conditions.
Intravenous Non-ionic iodinated agents covalently Very rare allergic reaction. Risk of
Contrast Agent bind the iodine and have fewer side reaction in those who have or have a
CT Scan MRI
effects. Allergic reaction is rare but
more common than MRI contrast. Risk
of contrast induced nephropathy history of kidney or liver disorders.
(especially in renal insufficiency
(GFR<60), diabetes & dehydration).
Anxiety, especially anxiety caused by
claustrophobia, is common, as is
Comfort level
Seldom creates claustrophobia tiredness or annoyance over having to
for patient
stay still on a hard table for a long
period of time.
X-ray attenuation is detected by Body tissues that contain hydrogen
detector & DAS system, followed by atoms (e.g. in water) are made to emit
Principle math. model (back projection model) a radio signal which are detected by
to calculate the value of pixelism that the scanner. Search for "magnetic
becomes a image. resonance" for physics details.
The first commercially viable CT
First commercial MRI was available
scanner was invented by Sir Godfrey
in 1981, with significant increase in
History Hounsfield in Hayes, United Kingdom.
MRI resolution and choice of imaging
First patient's brain-scan was done on 1
sequences over time.
October 1971.
Good soft tissue differentiation
especially with intravenous contrast. Demonstrates subtle differences
Image specifics Higher imaging resolution and less between different kinds of soft
motion artifact due to fast imaging tissues.
speed.
Patients with Cardiac Pacemakers,
Patients with metal implants can get tattoos and metal implants are
CT scan. A person who is very large contraindicated due to possible injury
Limitation for
(e.g. over 450 lb) may not fit into the to patient or image distortion
Scanning
opening of a conventional CT scanner (artifact). Patient over 350 lb may be
patients
or may be over the weight limit for the over table's weight limit. Any
moving table. ferromagnetic object may cause
trauma/burn.
Comparison chart
CT Scan Ultrasound
CT Scan costs range from $1,200 to $3,200; they
Ultrasound procedures
Cost usually cost less than MRIs (about half the price
cost $100-$1,000.
of MRI).
Usually completed within 5 minutes. Actual scan
Time taken for Ultrasound usually takes
time usually less than 30 seconds. Therefore, CT
complete scan about 10-15 minutes.
is less sensitive to patient movement than MRI.
Radiation The effective radiation dose from CT ranges No radiation
exposure from 2 to 10 mSv, which is about the same as the
average person receives from background
CT Scan Ultrasound
radiation in 3 to 5 years. Usually, CT is not
recommended for pregnant women or children
unless absolutely necessary.
High Frequency sound
Principle used
Uses X-rays for imaging waves (ultrasound) are
for imaging
used for imaging
Ability to change
With capability of MDCT, isotropic imaging is
the imaging
possible. After helical scan with Multiplanar
plane without Present
Reformation function, an operator can construct
moving the
any plane.
patient
Ultrasounds are usually
not used for bony
Details of bony
Provides good details about bony structures structures. Instead they are
structures
used for internal organs of
the body.
A major advantage of CT is that it is able to
Details of soft Detailed with advanced
image bone, soft tissue and blood vessels all at
tissues technology
the same time.
Comparison chart
CT Scan PET Scan
CT Scan costs range from $1,200 to $3,200; PET scans cost $3,000 to
Cost they usually cost less than MRIs (about half the $6,000; much higher than
price of MRI). regular CT scans.
Usually completed within 5 minutes. Actual
Time taken
scan time usually less than 30 seconds.
for complete Usually takes 2 to 4 hours
Therefore, CT is less sensitive to patient
scan
movement than MRI.
The effective radiation dose from CT ranges
from 2 to 10 mSv, which is about the same as
Radiation the average person receives from background
Moderate to high radiation
exposure radiation in 3 to 5 years. Usually, CT is not
recommended for pregnant women or children
unless absolutely necessary.
Radioactive tracers that emit
Principle positrons are used. The
used for Uses X-rays for imaging positrons are tracked by the
imaging system to generate a 3D image
over time.
Radiation risk from the
Effects on Despite being small, CT can pose the risk of
injection of a radioactive tracer
the body irradiation. Painless, noninvasive.
is about the same as an X-ray
CT Scan PET Scan
Acronym for Computed (Axial) Tomography Positron emission tomography
PET scans can image
Scope of CT can outline bone inside the body very
biological processes within the
application accurately.
body.
The compound was first
The first commercially viable CT scanner was
administered to two normal
invented by Sir Godfrey Hounsfield in Hayes,
History human volunteers by Abass
United Kingdom. First patient's brain-scan was
Alavi in August 1976 at the
done on 1 October 1971.
University of Pennsylvania.
