Types of imaging

Question 2

What do these imaging acronyms stand for?

1. CT,
2. MRI.

Answer 2

1. Computed Tomography,
2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Question 3

CT Vs MRI:

Explain the purpose of each.

Answer 3

CT - Suited for imaging injuries from trauma, staging cancer, and diagnosing conditions in blood vessels.

MRI - Great for creating detailed 3D images of soft tissues and organs.

eg. tendons, ligaments, spinal cord, brain.

Question 4

What is meant by soft tissue?

As in, “MRI’s create clear images of soft tissues”.

Answer 4

Soft tissue connects and surrounds or supports internal organs and bones.

• muscle,
• tendons,
• ligaments,
• fat,
• fibrous tissue,
• lymph,
• blood vessels,
• nerves.

Question 5

CT Vs MRI:

Which parts of the body are these best suited to taking images of?

Answer 5

CT - CT scans image bony material and blood vessels better than MRIs.

MRI - MRI’s image organs and soft tissues.

Question 6

Why would an ultrasound be used instead of an MRI?

Answer 6

While an MRI provides a very detailed image, the process is slow and the image is typically static.

Ultrasound provides an image in real-time and can capture movement.

Question 7

CT Vs MRI Vs Ultrasound

Limitations of each

Answer 7

Ultrasound - Sound waves don’t travel well through gas or bone. eg. Not effective imaging the lungs or brain.

CT - Not great at imaging soft tissue. eg. Brain, pelvic organs and joints.

MRI - Expensive, time consuming and contraindicated where the pt has internal metallic objects eg. plates or screws.