CT v. MRI Part 2

Body Imaging

Pelvis

▪MR and CT both have roles in pelvic imaging

▪CT allows for bony info and some smaller structures

▪MR is very good for uterine anatomy and has no ionizing radiation

Endometriosis

▪MR allows for visualization of all the layers of the uterus.

Bladder cancer

▪Both MR and CT can be used

Prostate cancer

▪Endo coils have increased the utility of MR in prostate imaging

▪CT is useful in staging bony involvement

Colon mets

▪Frequently seen as liver mets; however, intestinal lesions can met locally

Liver

▪CT is very good for most abnormalities▸Spiral has improved the efficacy of CT

▪MR has application, especially in mets▸Iron chelate contrast media

Hemangioma

▪Questionable low density areas can be evaluated with spiral techniques and power injectors; thereby, increasing the overall diagnostic ability of the exam

Liver mets

▪For accurate diagnosis contrast is a must

▪Some lesions are difficult to adequately visualize

▪MR has serious application in liver mets

Lungs

▪As a rule the chest is the purview of CT

▪MR as some use in the mediastineum and chest wall

Abdomen

▪Both CT and MR work in the abdomen

▪The key is the appropriate modality for the diagnosis

Pancreatitis

Herniations

▪Omacele

Kidney

▪Renal artery

▪Renal tumors

Neuroblastoma▪Wilm’s tumor

Appendicitis▪Big increase in use since the middle 90s.

Adrenal

▪MR is great for adrenal abnormalities because of it’s multiplanar capabilities

▪Can use surface coils to increase image quality

FlowWithout contrast

▪A variety of fluids move within the abdomen and MR techniques have been developed or are being developed for all of them

Organ Lacerations

▪Most of the structures are at risk for traumatic laceration resulting in a multitude of outcomes

Conclusion