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Image courtesy:
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Difference-between-a-MRI-scan-and-a-CT-scan_fig2_339429935
CT & MRI SCANS
By Anthony Ikimata
Student number: 20218296
HOW DOES
IT RELATE TO SCIENCE?
Image courtesy:
https://www.mskcc.org/news/ct-vs-mri-what-s-difference-and-how-do-doctors-choose-which-imaging-method-use
CT & MRI
- 2 types of medical imaging used within healthcare
- Used to see a persons internal structure e.g. organs, bones and muscles
- CT = computerized tomography
- MRI = magnetic resonance imaging
WHAT IS MRI AND CT?
WHAT IS A
CT SCAN?
WHAT IS A CT SCAN?
- A CT scan utilises x-ray technology to capture detailed images of the body.
- Can develop images of bones, muscles, blood vessels, organs such as heart and brain, and any new masses or tumours.
- CT scans are often quick, normally 10-20 minutes.
- May be given with contrast or without contrast.
- CT scans have many different purposes such as diagnostic imaging, show the progress of a condition e.g. growth of a cancerous tumour and or guiding procedures such as surgery and biopsies.
- CT scans and standard x-rays both use a energy beam to view images of the body.
- The difference between CT scans and x-rays is that x-rays only provide 1 image of the specific body that the energy beam is aimed at.
- Whereas, in CT scans, the x-ray beam moves in a circle around the body part, allowing many different views of the same organ or structure.
Image courtesy:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CT_scan
Image courtesy:
https://www.lompocvmc.com/blogs/2021/december/12-reasons-you-may-need-a-ct-scan/
WHAT IS A
MRI SCAN?
WHAT IS A
MRI SCAN?
- An MRI is operated by using magnetic fields and radio waves to provide anatomical images
- MRI scans are able to provide images in all three planes: axial, sagittal and coronal.
- It is most commonly used for looking at soft tissue e.g. muscles, tendons, ligaments, the brain and spinal cord.
- MRI's take up a lot more time than CT scans, lasting anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes to complete.
- MRI's are highly valueable in showing oxygenation and blood flow to and from the body part e.g. brain and heart.
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https://snc2dmri.weebly.com/components--functions.html
Image courtesy:
https://www.auntminnie.com/index.aspx?sec=ser&sub=def&pag=dis&ItemID=122227
Although both are very common and safe procedures, each has it's own individual risks and benefits.
PROS & CONS OF CT AND MRI
SCANS
RISKS
BENEFITS
- CT scans provide detailed information and give us greater insight into the diagnosis and treatment plans for many conditions.
- Can be used in adults and children.
- Can eliminate the need for exploratory surgery.
- Quick procedure
- Non-invasive procedure
- Doctor can access results almost immediately
- CT imaging involves the use of x-rays, which are a form of radiation. Exposure to radiation is known to increase the risk of cancer.
- Children are much more sensitive to radiation compared to adults due to their ongoing growth and development
- CT scans are contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of damaging the unborn fetus
- If contrast is used, it can potentially lead to an allergic reaction.
RISKS & BENEFITS OF A CT SCAN
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RISKS
BENEFITS
- CT scans provide detailed information and give us greater insight into the diagnosis and treatment plans for many conditions.
- Can be used in adults and children.
- Can eliminate the need for exploratory surgery.
- Quick procedure
- Non-invasive procedure
- Doctor can access results almost immediately
- MRI scans pose safety hazards for patients with any sort of implant, prosthesis, pacemaker and surgically inserted metal screws, bolts, wires.
- CT scans are contraindicated in pregnancy due to the potential increase in the temperature of the amniotic fluid and overall risk of damaging the unborn fetus
- If contrast is used, it can potentially lead to an allergic reaction.
RISKS & BENEFITS OF A MRI SCAN
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Image courtesy:
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HOW DOES IT RELATE TO SCIENCE?
MRI SCAN
CT SCAN
- When a negatively charged electrode is heated by electricity, energy is created and this energy is then converted into an x-ray beam.
- When having an x-ray, a metallic cassette is positioned behind or under the region of concern.
- High-velocity beams of that energy are directed towards the area of concern, creating an X-ray.
- Your skin, muscles, and internal organs are all passed by as the x-ray enters your body since these soft tissues are unable any energy. On the film, these areas appears dark because they have been exposed.
- On the other hand, structures that are dense such as teeth and bone absorb radiation and block x-ray waves. These areas will appear white on the scans.
- As we all know, most of the human body is made up of water molecules, consisting of 2 hydrogen and 1 oxygen atoms (H2O).
- Each hydrogen can be broken down into smaller particles called protons.
- The magnetic force provided by the MRI machine causes the protons in your body line up in the same direction. Then, short bursts of radio waves are then sent from the MRI machine to certain areas of the body, knocking the protons out of alignment. When the radio waves are turned off, the protons realign. This shows the movement of these protons and their exact location within the body.
- Hence, this type of imaging can analyse existing tissues, oxygenation and blood flow and recognise new growth of tissues such as tumours.
These scans can aid research and studies in unknown conditions and help to develop treatments for various conditions.
CT and MRI scans are very important in the management of many health conditions and significantly improve the quality/dignity of human life
THE IMPORTANCE OF CT & MRI TO HEALTH CARE
CT and MRI scans can also lead to less invasive procedures, a potentially faster recovery and reduced hospital admission overall
These scans can show a variety of illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular issues, neurological diseases, and musculoskeletal injuries to the body
REFERENCE LIST
Other resources
Images
Aunt Minnie. (2022). Can whole-body MRI be used in oncologic staging? https://www.auntminnie.com/index.aspx?sec=ser&sub=def&pag=dis&ItemID=122227
Lompoc Valley Medical Center. (2021). 12 Reasons You May Need a CT Scan [Image]. https://www.lompocvmc.com/blogs/2021/december/12-reasons-you-may-need-a-ct-scan/
Rashid, M. (2019). MRI Scan Components & Functions [Image]. https://snc2dmri.weebly.com/components--functions.html
Research Gate. (2022). Difference between a MRI scan and a CT scan. [Image]. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Difference-between-a-MRI-scan-and-a-CT-scan_fig2_339429935
Stallard, J. (2019). CT vs MRI: What’s the Difference? And How Do Doctors Choose Which Imaging Method to Use? | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center [Image]. https://www.mskcc.org/news/ct-vs-mri-what-s-difference-and-how-do-doctors-choose-which-imaging-method-use
Star Network. (2023). Red X mark icon [Image]. https://www.iconsdb.com/red-icons/x-mark-icon.html
Stock Images. (2023). Green Tick [Image]. https://stock.adobe.com/au/search?k=%22green+tick%22
Wikipedia. (2019). CT scan [Image]. Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CT_scan
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Broadhouse, K. M. (2019). The Physics of MRI and How We Use It to Reveal the Mysteries of the Mind. Frontiers for Young Minds, 7(23). https://doi.org/10.3389/frym.2019.00023
Harvard Health Publishing. (2018, April 2). Radiation risk from medical imaging - Harvard Health. Harvard Health; Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/cancer/radiation-risk-from-medical-imaging
Kim, Y.-H., Choi, M., & Kim, J.-W. (2019). Are titanium implants actually safe for magnetic resonance imaging examinations? Archives of Plastic Surgery, 46(1), 96–97. https://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2018.01466
Matthews, R. (2018). Who really invented the MRI machine? BBC Science Focus Magazine; BBC Science Focus Magazine. https://www.sciencefocus.com/science/who-really-invented-the-mri-machine/
National Institute of Biomedical imaging and bioengineering. (2018, July 17). Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri
NIH. (2022). X-rays. Www.nibib.nih.gov. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/x-rays#:~:text=X%2Drays%20are%20a%20form
Patel, P. R., & De Jesus, O. (2021). CT Scan. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567796/
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Stallard, J. (2019). CT vs MRI: What’s the Difference? And How Do Doctors Choose Which Imaging Method to Use? | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Www.mskcc.org. https://www.mskcc.org/news/ct-vs-mri-what-s-difference-and-how-do-doctors-choose-which-imaging-method-use
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