The difference between computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. CT or MRI? Choosing the best diagnostic method What better shows mri or ct

Nowadays, such types of research as CT and MRI are used in medicine. Both abbreviations CT and MRI contain the word “tomography”, which can be translated as “slice examination”. Patients who are ignorant of modern medicine, CT and MRI examinations can be perceived as very similar procedures, but this is erroneous. Their similarity lies only in the generality of the procedure itself, as well as the application of the principle of layer-by-layer scanning with the display of images on a computer monitor. But the difference between CT and MRI is big. We will try to figure out what is the difference between CT and MRI and how this affects the diagnostic results.

What is the difference between CT and MRI?

Outwardly, they are the same: mobile tables and a tunnel in which the organs under investigation or another area of the body are scanned.

But the main difference between CT and MRI is that these studies use completely different physical phenomena.

Computed tomography (CT) is based on the use of X-rays. The scanner rotates around the area of interest and displays images from different angles on the monitor. After computer processing, specialists obtain a three-dimensional image of the desired area.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field. The computer also processes the information received and produces three-dimensional images.

CT or MRI: which is better?

It is pointless to debate which of the methods is better or worse: these are completely different methods that are used in different situations. Each research method has its own indications and. Each method is informative for certain organs and tissues in specific cases. In some cases and with the complexity of diagnosis, it is even necessary or recommended to use both tomography methods.

MRI allows you to see the soft tissue more clearly, but does not "see" the calcium in the bones at all. And CT also allows you to study the bone tissue in more detail.

The passage of the MRI procedure is indicated for the study:

Strokes, multiple sclerosis, inflammation of the brain tissue, brain tumors;
, trachea, aorta;
Ligaments, muscle tissue;
and intervertebral discs;
.
CT is prescribed for research and study:
Lesions of the bones of the base of the skull, temporal bones, paranasal sinuses, facial skeleton, jaws, teeth;
Defeats;
Bodies;
Parathyroid and;
and joints;
The consequences of trauma.
When choosing a method for diagnosing diseases, the doctor also takes into account the patient's state of health and factors that may interfere with the tomography.

Despite getting the same results in both tomographies (these are volumetric images), CT is harmful to human health. MRI diagnostics, on the contrary, is completely safe (even for pregnant and lactating women), but, unfortunately, more expensive.

The advantages of magnetic resonance imaging are:

- High accuracy of the information received
- Patient safety, including
- The possibility of repeated use of the procedure, if necessary, due to its safety
- 3D image acquisition
- The probability of getting an error while scanning is almost zero
- No additional contrasting is required to study blood flow
- Great information content in the study of lesions of the central nervous system, the study of vertebral hernias.

Pros of computed tomography:

Reliable information
The ability to obtain three-dimensional images of the area of interest
Clearer pictures of the skeletal system
The ability to obtain reliable information in case of internal bleeding, detection of tumors
Short examination time
Ability to undergo the procedure if there are metal or electronic devices in the body
Low cost.

Disadvantages of CT and MRI examinations

Of course, all types of research have both positive and negative sides.

The disadvantages of MRI include the following indicators:

Hollow organs (bladder, gallbladder, lungs) cannot be fully explored
It is impossible to carry out the procedure if there are metal objects in the patient's body
To obtain high quality images, you need to remain still and calm for a long time.

The disadvantages of CT include the following indicators:

Danger to human health -
There is no way to get information about the functional state of organs and tissues, only about their structure.
You can not undergo this tomography for pregnant and lactating mothers, children
You can't go through the procedure often

In any case, when visiting the treating doctor, the patient will be assigned an examination, which is the desired and accurate result. If both methods of examination are assigned to you, then in this case the differences in methods do not play a fundamental role.

Contraindications for tomography (CT and MRI)

Each of the procedures has contraindications that may be obstructed if you decide to be tested.

do not appoint:

Pregnant women and women with breastfeeding
To children at an early age
In the case of frequent procedures
If there is gypsum in the examination area
With renal failure.
Magnetic resonance imaging also has its own contraindications:
Claustrophobia, schizophrenia
The presence of a pacemaker, metal implants, clips on vessels, and other metal objects in the patient's body
Pregnancy in the 1st trimester
Overweight patient (over 110 kg)
Renal failure (when using contrasting drugs).

It is imperative to consult a doctor before undergoing the study.

CT and MRI are used to diagnose and treat a wide variety of diseases. You need to know that the purpose of a specific examination method depends on which part of the human body is subject to examination.

Lack of timely treatment can lead to serious complications and even death, therefore, if unpleasant symptoms appear, it is important to see a doctor. In modern medicine, various diagnostic methods are used, which make it possible to establish the presence of a disease and the causes of its occurrence.

CT and MRI are considered common research methods. There is a difference between them, they are not always safe for the body and are prescribed if indicated. Only the doctor will determine the appropriateness of the appointment of the method. Let's figure out which procedure is safer and more effective when you need to do a CT or CT.

Differences in the principle of operation of CT and MRI

The word "tomography" in both names means that both CT and MRI are three-dimensional layer-by-layer examinations of organs that guarantee high accuracy. Both methods were invented at the same time - in the early 70s of the last century, over the decades of the technology's existence, they have been significantly improved. The main difference between the two lies in the principle of the survey. They can also be distinguished by the amount of harmful effects of the tomograph on the body.

Usually, magnetic resonance imaging, as well as CT, is prescribed to detect abnormalities in the functioning of internal organs. In both cases, there is no physical intervention in tissues and organs, MRI allows you to establish the smallest violations.

The principle of magnetic resonance imaging is based on the action of a magnet and a scanner - the human body emits certain radio frequencies, which are recorded by the apparatus. The received data goes to the computer, the tomogram displays information about the state of the organs. A standard examination takes from half an hour to two hours - the patient lies down on the couch, which slides into the capsule, the tomograph scans the organs, the information goes to the computer monitor, the pictures can be printed.

The method of computed tomography is based on X-ray radiation. If a conventional X-ray gives a flat picture, then CT allows you to get an image of an organ in 3 planes. This diagnostic method has been one of the most widespread for many years, therefore any modern medical department is equipped with a tomographic device. With the help of a tomograph, you can get clear photos of the affected organs.

During the procedure, the patient also lies on a special table, X-rays shine through all tissues and organs, the photo can be printed. The duration of the procedure is 10-20 minutes, immobility and the absence of sudden movements are a prerequisite.

Indications and contraindications for procedures

There is a difference between CT and MRI depending on the indications and contraindications for the procedure.

Magnetic resonance imaging

Indications for magnetic resonance imaging:

Before going to the medical department, you need to know that this method has absolute and relative contraindications, in some cases the accuracy of the examination results decreases. In the presence of implanted metal elements (prostheses, joints, etc.), the patient must provide the doctor with instructions for the products, which indicate the possibility of MRI.

Relative contraindications:

mental illness (epilepsy, fear of confined spaces);
1st trimester of pregnancy;
non-ferromagnetic implants, heart valves, nerve stimulants;
inability to remain stationary;
serious conditions of the patient, requiring the use of medical devices (cardiac monitor, etc.);
tattooing on the surveyed area (if the paint contains metal).

Absolute contraindications to research:

Contraindications for the administration of gadolinium-based contrast:

renal failure;
hypersensitivity to substances containing gadolinium.

CT scan

Indications for computed tomography:

dysfunction of the brain;
diseases of the cardiovascular system;
head trauma, gratuitous headaches;
lung examination;
diagnostics of violations of the liver, reproductive, urinary, digestive systems, examination of the mammary gland;
damage to bone tissue, joints and spine;
oncological diseases.

With CT, the body is exposed to strong radiation, frequent repeated passage of the procedure is prohibited. The method is contraindicated in the following cases:

Preparation for research

Preparation for going to the medical department for an MRI and computed tomography is usually not required - in the absence of special medical instructions, you do not need to do anything. Before CT scan, you should get rid of all foreign objects and jewelry (glasses, hairpins, apparatus, etc.), however, the presence of articular metal implants is not a contraindication to the session. If the examination of the digestive system involves the use of a contrast agent, the diagnosis is carried out on an empty stomach.

In the presence of psychoemotional disorders and high excitability, the use of sedative drugs is indicated. A few days before the procedure, it is necessary to refuse products that cause flatulence (legumes, fresh plant products), the intake of enterosorbents is recommended. Before diagnosing the pelvic organs, you should drink half a liter of water 30 minutes before the procedure.

Which method is more accurate and informative?

Which method is better, more accurate and more informative is hard to say. Comparison of methods allows answering this question - the data differ depending on which organ is being examined.

All information is displayed on black and white images, after studying which the doctor makes a diagnosis.

Computed tomography will be more accurate when examining:

musculoskeletal system (for bone injuries, bone tissue oncology), to determine tissue density;
lungs and mediastinum.

The informative value of MRI is higher during examination:

Vessels - there is no need for the introduction of contrast, such an examination allows you to establish the zones of squeezing and narrowing, to determine the blood flow rate. CT is recommended for atherosclerotic lesions.
Parenchymal organs - allows for more accurate images.
Brain - the images show foci of hemorrhage or ischemia, vascular pathology. The use of contrast allows you to identify minor neoplasms. CT is effective for intracranial hematomas, aneurysms, atherosclerosis.
Hollow organs (esophagus, stomach, intestines) - in this case, both methods are equally effective, but MRI requires the use of contrast (both oral and intravenous).

Which is safer - MRI or CT?

There are differences in the safety of the methods for patients. The difference is this: MRI is a safer diagnostic method, since CT uses X-rays, which can provoke the development of radiation sickness. When performing computed tomography, there are certain limitations that must be taken into account. For example, the SCT procedure is recommended to be carried out no more than once every six months; only one part of the body is examined in one session.

Cost comparison

Both procedures are not cheap, so they are prescribed after an ultrasound scan and X-ray. MRI is a more modern and expensive method, since a better technique is used for diagnostics.

The cost of CT and MRI examinations depends on the following factors:

equipment level;
personnel qualifications;
the use of contrast;
region of residence;
clinic pricing policy;
availability of additional services.

The difference in the price of diagnostics of one organ by different methods is on average 1-2 thousand rubles. At the same time, it is important to take into account the above factors - it is quite possible that an MRI scan will cost less than a CT scan in polyclinics with different pricing policies.

The cheapest medical procedures are in government institutions. The cost of examining an individual organ using CT in Moscow is 2-4 thousand rubles, MRI - 3-5 thousand rubles, the most expensive is the examination of the spine and brain (up to 9 thousand).

The cost of a CT scan of the abdominal cavity in Moscow is 8-12 thousand, in St. Petersburg such an examination will cost 6-10 rubles, in the regions - 5-7 thousand. Examination of the whole body costs an average of 70-100 thousand rubles. An important role is also played by the type of contrast used - its cost varies in the range of 2-5 thousand rubles.

When contacting the clinic for CT and MRI, you must clarify in advance what is included in the price. In some hospitals, an opinion with a description and interpretation of images, recording diagnostics on removable media, and creating a personal computer profile of the patient on the hospital's website are paid separately. The list of services and their cost can be specified in advance by phone or on the institution's website.

Innovative technologies in medicine make it possible to expand the possibilities not only in the treatment of various pathologies, but also in their diagnosis. The use of CT and MRI today allows you to obtain more information than the usual and long-known methods - ultrasound, radiography and laboratory studies.

It is difficult to choose between these two studies, because they have recently become available to patients in our country and many are not familiar with them at all. In order to understand which of the methods will be the best in a particular case, it is necessary to study in detail the features of the procedures.

What is the main difference between each study?

What is the difference between MRI and CT? Let us consider in more detail the features of these diagnostic methods.

Computed tomography (CT)

Diagnostic research method, which is based on the use of X-rays. Unlike a conventional X-ray, the resulting image of the organ under study will be three-dimensional, not two-dimensional. This effect is achieved through the use of an annular contour that distributes X-rays around the installed patient couch.

During the session, a series of images of internal organs are performed from different angles. This makes it possible to combine them in the future and obtain a computer-processed three-dimensional image. CT makes it possible to examine the organ layer by layer - “slices” on the most accurate devices reach 1 mm. - the technique includes continuous rotation of the apparatus, which makes the image more detailed.

Brain examination

Magnetic resonance imaging (or MRI)

A diagnostic technique that allows you to obtain a three-dimensional image of the organ under study. The research method is based on the use of electromagnetic waves. affects the hydrogen in the human body - makes it change position, these data are recorded by the apparatus and formed into a three-dimensional image - a tomogram. The resulting volumetric image can be rotated to the desired projection, to examine the organ by “slices”, to enlarge the problem area for more detailed consideration. The images obtained are informative and highly accurate.

So what is the difference between MRI and MSCT? The main difference: computed tomography is based on the use of X-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging is implemented using electromagnetic waves.

What is the difference between the types of tomography in practice?

What is the difference between CT and MRI, except for the effects of waves and rays - the main question of the patient, who doubts the choice of the method. The difference between CT and MRI in practice:

MSCT is used to study the physical state of an object (anatomy), MRI - for chemical (anatomy and physiology);
MRI is more informative for scanning soft tissues, and CT (including spiral) - for bone;
magnetic waves are not fully understood, but the method of their use has no restrictions on the frequency of use, X-ray irradiation cannot be performed often;
MRI often involves placing the entire body of the person in a tomograph, while CT is irradiating the area of interest.

Spine examination

The examination methods are modern and informative, but if you have access to both, you need to choose exactly the one that is most suitable in a particular situation.

Indications for the use of CT and MRI

MSCT and MRI are used to diagnose diseases of all organs of the human body. But these methods are not equally well suited for examining the same organ - this must be taken into account when choosing.

Situations in which it is better to apply computed tomography:

With craniocerebral changes: brain contusion, hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, neoplasms (malignant or benign), pathological circulatory disorders in the brain.
Recent trauma with suspected internal bleeding.
Pathological lesions of the facial skeleton, thyroid and parathyroid glands, jaws, teeth.
Atherosclerosis of blood vessels, aneurysms and other pathological changes in the structure of blood vessels.
Spinal diseases: scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis, osteoporosis, herniated discs.
Pathological: tuberculosis, pneumonia (pneumonia), cancer.
Diseases (neoplasms, stones are clearly visible on tomograms).

For a clear picture and study of hollow organs, CT is performed using a contrast agent.

It is advisable to use magnetic resonance imaging if:

Brain lesions, namely: inflammatory process of the meninges of the brain, hemorrhage (stroke), tumors of various etiologies, multiple sclerosis.
Pathologies affecting joints, ligaments and muscle tissue.
Tumors in soft tissues.

MRI can replace CT in cases where the patient is diagnosed with individual intolerance to the contrast agent or has already been irradiated, and repeated exposure to radiation in a short time is not desirable.

Advantages and disadvantages of diagnostic methods

Both methods are accurate, but there are situations where applying a particular method would be more informative. In addition, there are some temporary and permanent individual contraindications, restrictions on the number of procedures.

Advantages of CT, MSCT:

clear three-dimensional image of the study area;
the possibility of a layer-by-layer study of the organ;
painlessness of the diagnostic method;
the speed of the study - the exposure to the rays lasts up to 10 seconds;
less radiation than when using X-rays;
effective for examining bone, muscle tissue, detecting bleeding and tumors;
requires less financial costs.

Magnetic resonance imaging also has a number of advantages, some of which are consonant with the advantages of CT. Pros of using an MRI:

high-precision information on a volumetric image;
the ability to rotate the image into a convenient projection;
layer-by-layer examination of the organ allows you to more accurately study the details;
the best way to study for neurological problems - there are no more accurate analogs of diagnostics in this area of medicine;
safe for any age (used for children from birth);
guarantees - does not affect the mother and fetus; there is no influence of radiation.
there are no contraindications for frequent use, painlessness;
it is possible to save data in electronic form (convenient for studying pathology in dynamics);

Despite the manufacturability of the processes, their effective use is limited by some nuances. In order to choose the most suitable way to study pathology, you need to take into account the disadvantages of each of the methods.

Cons of CT, MSCT:

radiation exposure (which is more harmful than the influence of electromagnetic waves);
it is forbidden to use for pregnant women, children;
it is impossible to obtain information about the work of organs, you can only consider the anatomical changes in the structure.

The main limitation of use is irradiation - despite the insignificant amount of radiation, it is often contraindicated to use, apply to weakened patients, children and women in position.

Disadvantages of MRI:

not suitable for accurate examination of hollow organs (gall and urinary bladder, blood vessels);
before the procedure, it is necessary to remove metal elements from clothing;
the examination takes a long time - 30-40 minutes;
not suitable for claustrophobic patients;
weight limitation is possible - devices are designed for weight up to 110 kg (few models - up to 150 kg);
prohibited for use by people with fixed dentures and implanted elements - pins, clips, plates, pacemakers;
for the clarity of the images obtained, you need to be in a stationary state for a long time (when diagnosing children, anesthesia is used).

Preparation for research

There are no particular difficulties in preparing for magnetic resonance imaging and MSCT. It is needed only in the case of anesthesia for children (with MRI) and CT with the introduction of a contrast agent. Before the introduction of a sedative, it is recommended to give up food and drink for a few hours. The same applies to the procedure for administering a contrast agent. The contrast agent will be eliminated from the body faster if you drink plenty of fluids after the procedure.

The best choice of clothing for a tomography scan is a chemise (or any loose-fitting suit with no metal parts). To undergo an MRI, you need to take off your jewelry, dentures, glasses, hearing aids, pull out all metal objects from your pockets - keys, coins.

MSCT and MRI for children can be performed in the presence of parents, in which case the latter need protective aprons. If the procedure is performed under sedation, the child should be supervised by doctors until the medication ends.

CT or MRI: which is cheaper?

Both types of tomography are used less frequently than ultrasound or X-ray due to insufficient distribution of equipment in the periphery of the country and the high cost of research. CT is cheaper than magnetic resonance imaging, so it is used more often if the indications are the same. But do not forget that irradiation should not be carried out too often - despite the small dose, the procedure still does not affect the body in the best way.

What is better than MRI or CT? The influence of electromagnetic waves is not fully understood, but there are much fewer contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging. Therefore, if there is a financial opportunity, or if there is a need to assess the dynamics of pathological changes, this technique is more effective and safer.

Today they are the most informative and advanced research methods of the human body. These diagnostic methods allow obtaining comprehensive information about diseases of internal organs and choosing the most effective treatment. At the same time, many people, even knowing the features of these diagnostic procedures, wonder how CT differs from MRI.

First of all, the difference between CT and MRI lies in the fact that these research methods are based on completely different principles. In other words, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are performed on two different devices, the principle of which is strikingly different. To understand this, we will consider the mechanism for conducting each diagnostic method separately:

CT - this method is based on the study of x-rays through the structures of the human body. The latter pass through the tissues, and the image is captured and transmitted to a monitor connected to the CT machine. The advantage of this method is that the X-rays are emitted from an annular contour, which allows exclusion waves to be directed from different angles. Thanks to this, it became possible to create a three-dimensional image of the investigated anatomical structure, as well as to obtain sections of the organ.
MRI is the main difference between CT and MRI - in the latter diagnostic method, the device does not emit X-rays, but creates electromagnetic waves that also penetrate the tissues of the human body. This diagnostic method also allows you to create a three-dimensional model of the structures under study and examine organs from different angles.

Asking the question of what to choose, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, first of all, diametrically opposite types of radiation from diagnostic devices are taken into account.

Which method is more informative and more accurate

Another important difference between CT and MRI is that these research methods are applicable to identify various pathologies. In other words, MRI is more informative when examining specific anatomical structures, the transillumination of which with a computed tomography apparatus will not provide such comprehensive information.

Thus, it cannot be said that one research method is in any way absolutely more accurate or informative. Taking into account the information about what is the difference between CT and MRI, these studies are prescribed to identify different pathologies. So, computed tomography is more preferable in the following cases:

identification of pathologies in bone structures and joints;
examination of the spine, including for the formation of hernias, protrusions, scoliosis and other diseases;
diagnostics after injury (even traces of internal bleeding are detected);
the study of the organs of the thoracic region;
diagnostics of hollow organs, organs of the genitourinary system;
detecting tumors, cysts and stones;
vascular examination (especially with the introduction of contrast).

The advantages of MRI over CT are that this diagnostic method is more often used to study joints, blood vessels and soft tissues. The reasons for conducting an MRI are the following cases:

suspicion of the formation of a neoplasm in soft tissues;
diagnostics of pathologies of the spinal cord and brain located inside the cranium of the nerves;
examination of the membranes of the spinal cord and brain;
diagnostics of patients after a stroke or with existing neurological diseases;
study of the condition of ligaments and muscle structures;
obtaining comprehensive data on the state of the surface structures of the articular joints.

Summing up the intermediate result of all that has been said, we conclude that computed tomography copes better with the diagnosis of pathologies of bones and internal organs. MRI is more informative in the study of soft tissues, structures of the brain and spinal cord, cartilage and nerves.

What is safer than computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging

In the matter of security, everything is much simpler than in figuring out which research method is more informative. The fact is that X-ray irradiation during computed tomography has a negative effect on the body. Despite the fact that the procedure takes only a few minutes, the person still receives a minimal dose of radiation (this is not dangerous).

Exposure to electromagnetic waves is considered completely harmless. Hence, it follows that MRI does not harm the body at all, while with CT we receive a dose of radiation, scanty, but still.

CT and MRI examinations - which is cheaper

This question is also quite controversial, since much depends on which organ or structure of the organism is to be studied. For example, the cost for computed tomography and MRI of the brain and kidneys varies greatly.

It is also important to understand that due to the increased information content and the possibility of layer-by-layer examination of the organ, both diagnostic methods are much more expensive than ordinary ultrasound or X-rays. For this reason, for example, MRI is prescribed after less complex and costly diagnostic procedures, if more comprehensive information is required.

There are two other factors that affect both the cost of CT and MRI:

Equipment - the more modern it is, the higher the cost of diagnostics.
Clinic - if the study is carried out in a private medical institution, the issue of pricing depends on the pricing policy of the clinic.

If we take the average prices, taking into account public hospitals, the price for examining one organ by computed tomography varies from 3,000 to 4,000 rubles. At the same time, an MRI scan will cost you about 4000-9000 rubles. Hence, we conclude that in approximately 80% of cases, the cost of an MRI is higher.

MRI or CT - which is better

As mentioned earlier, there is no absolute best diagnostic method. In the question of which is better, CT or MRI, the decisive factors are the characteristics and nature of the pathological process, the area of research. It is important to understand that in both cases, the diagnostic method is chosen by the doctor.

So, if it is necessary to study a suspected neoplasm in the region of the brain or diagnose intracranial nerve branches, an MRI will provide comprehensive information. But if lung diseases are in the field of suspicion or an injury has occurred, a computed tomography is performed.

Where can I get CT and MRI examinations?

The equipment for both diagnostic procedures is very expensive and not every hospital can afford it. For this reason, CT and MRI, even today, are considered a rarity in government agencies. Such devices are available mainly on the territory of scientific or large medical centers, for example, on a regional scale.

If we talk about private clinics, they are more often equipped with expensive equipment, and you will not have to stand in line for diagnostics, as is often the case in government organizations. But be prepared for the fact that research in a private clinic costs an order of magnitude more, sometimes 2 or even 3 times more.

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In the diagnosis of diseases of the spine and organs of the sacro-lumbar region, magnetic resonance and X-ray computed tomography are very widely used. Both of these methods are additional research methods and serve to confirm or refute suspicions of certain diseases of internal organs.

MRI and CT are used in the presence of certain indications and clinical symptoms that indicate the presence or development of a particular disease. Very often, the symptoms of diseases are similar or even identical, and only studies using a tomograph can show a real picture of what is happening.

Of course, the magnetic resonance imager can also be used for preventive studies, for example, to search for incipient tumors, determine the state of blood vessels or changes in the tissues of internal organs caused by external influences in the form of toxins or harsh working conditions.

But MRI is still quite an expensive research method and is used only if there are certain reasons for its use. Computed tomography is a cheaper method, but the X-rays used in the operation of the tomograph are becoming an obstacle to too frequent use.

MRI and CT in spine studies

Tomography in the diagnosis of the spinal column, especially its lower part, is used quite actively. Such studies are prescribed for:

back pain
ridge area injuries
suspected cancer
osteochondrosis
protrusions and hernias of intervertebral discs
circulatory disorders in this area
inflammatory processes in bone or cartilage tissue
disorders of the lymphatic ducts
spinal canal stenosis

Which is better, MRI or CT of the spine cannot be answered unequivocally. In order to understand the difference between these methods, it is necessary to briefly familiarize yourself with the physical and chemical processes underlying them.

Spine MRI Diagnostic Principle

Magnetic resonance imaging as a basic one uses the effect of a high-intensity magnetic field on atomic hydrogen, which is found in large quantities in the tissues of the body. The nuclei of hydrogen atoms are arranged in a certain order along the lines of the magnetic field, without leaving, however, their places. They just turn in a certain way. In this state, they can vibrate in resonance with external exciting electromagnetic radiation of a certain frequency.

The frequencies of vibrations of atoms in different tissues and organs are different, therefore the intensity of the signal, which is removed by special sensitive detectors, is different. The resulting photographs are in black and white, which clearly show the boundaries of organs, tissue structure and other tiny elements.

Principle of back CT scan

X-ray tomography is a modified fluoroscopy. Only the radiation intensity is much lower and the emitters themselves are constructed in such a way that the beam of rays shines through a narrow strip of the body. To obtain an image of the entire organ, the emitter must describe a circle around the patient's body several dozen times.

CT differs from MRI of the spine in that magnetic tomography more clearly photographs cartilaginous and soft tissues, blood and lymphatic vessels and the hollow intestine. CT is indispensable for examining bone formations and bleeding. Images of inflammatory processes, salt deposits or disturbances in nerve tissues are also very well manifested.

The difference between MRI and CT of the spine also lies in the fact that in terms of its effect, the magnetic field is absolutely safe for a person and MRI can be performed an unlimited number of times. Computed tomography, although it uses X-rays of very low intensity, still exposes the body to radiation. Therefore, it is not recommended for pregnant women, children, or people who have recently had fluoroscopy.

An MRI scan of the spine is as informative as a CT scan. MRI or CT of the spine is best used with a contrast agent. In this case, neoplasms, various tumors, blood vessels of even the smallest size and metastases penetrating from other organs are very clearly visible. Stenoses, blockages, narrowing and inflammatory processes are reliably fixed. In the case of using data level contrast, both of these methods are almost identical.