Radiology has come a long way since Wilhelm Roentgen, a German scientist, first used ionized radiation to take

the
first x-ray in 1895. He essentially pointed a beam of ionized rays through a part of the body and this recorded an
image on a plate. Since that time, there have been steady advances in the field of radiology. But the past 30 years
has seen a virtual explosion in the technological discoveries in this field. The CT and MRI scan have revolutionized
the practice of medicine

Both the CT scan and the MRI have their strong points and their differences, The CT scans & MRI are different in a
number of ways. The CT scan does use radiation, whereas the MRI does not. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
was developed later than CT scanning, One last major difference is cost -- MRIs cost a lot more than CT scans.

CT, MRI and PET scans are all diagnostic tools to non-invasively (non-surgically) look inside the body. They are all
based on the fact that certain things happen to atoms in our bodies when they absorb energy. Resonance refers to
the level of absorption achieved by adjusting the frequency of the radiation and the strength of the magnetic field –
like tuning a radio to a particular station.

CT (computerized tomography) uses a sophisticated X ray machine combined with a computer to create a detailed
picture of the body’s tissues and structure. Usually a special dye called a contrast material will be injected prior to the
scan. This makes it easier to see abnormal tissue due to specific absorption rates.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance is produced by measuring the magnetism of spinning electrons and protons and their
interactions with nearby atoms (usually protons) when they absorb energy. This provides information about the
chemical structure of organic molecules. The use of the word “nuclear” has recently been avoided and Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI) is now preferred. MRI uses a magnetic field from super-cooled magnets and can often
distinguish more accurately between healthy and diseased tissue. A contrast agent is usually used. MRI can provide
pictures from various angles and construct a three dimensional image. Some patients who have received certain
types of surgical clips, metallic fragments, cardiac monitors or pacemakers cannot receive this type of scan.

PET-Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans measure emissions from positron-emitting molecules. Because
many useful, common elements have positron emitting forms (carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen), valuable functional
information can be obtained. This is the main difference between the CT and MRI scans. The PET shows molecular
function and activity not structure, and therefore can often differentiate between normal and abnormal (cancerous /
tumor) or live versus dead tissue. Like SPECT (single photon emission tomography), PET also can product three
dimensional images, and is usually used to compliment rather than replace the information obtained from CT or MRI
scans.
Sophisticated X ray machine + computer = CT , To create a detailed
picture of the body’s tissues and structure. The CAT scan (Computerized
axial Tomography) also known as the CT scan was invented by Sir
Godfry and Robert Ledley in 1975. It was the first diagnostic tool capable
of seeing inside the body and the brain. The traditional X-ray was not
capable of seeing the soft tissue of the brain and body.A CT scanner
emits a group of narrow beams of radiation through the human body,
unlike an X-ray machine that uses just one beam of radiation. The key
drawback here is the use of radiation. CT scans use radiation that can
cause damage to your DNA after continued exposure. Some radiology
departments still use CT scans as a preferred screening test for certain
ailments including, chest X-rays, simple broken bones, and tests for
pneumonia.
The CT scan, or computerized axial tomography, is a specialized x-ray
(therefore, it uses ionized radiation) whereby the patient is placed in a
tube and the x-ray source rotates 360 degrees around the patient
directing a precise narrow x-ray beam through the body. A computer then
interprets the information to construct an image that is a cross section of
the body part to be examined. By moving the patient up or down in the
scanner, the radiologist can get serial “cuts” or “slices”, and basically get
a picture of what is inside the body. As a general rule, whereas the typical
x-ray is good for highlighting dense structures like bone, the CT is good
for soft tissues such as the chest or abdomen
The CT scan is a quicker test, and is more accessible in less metropolitan
areas. The CT scan is less costly than the MRI. Both tests provide
detailed pictures of areas of the body that used to be inaccessible by
conventional x-rays. CT scans give us excellent information on
anatomical features and tissue density (this allows for the detection of
tumors, and sometimes the ability to distinguish between malignant and
benign tumors). CT scans can also detect calcium deposits, cysts, and
abscesses. They are often used in place of ultrasound for obese patients
because fat deposits often hinder ultrasonic waves. CT scanning does
carry with it the risks associated with x-ray exposure, although it is
significantly less than that from ordinary x-rays.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans are a fairly new type of
imaging compared to the CT scan. The MRI was originally invented by
Dr. Raymond V. Damadian in 1971. He then collaborated with Dr. Larry
Minkoff and Dr. Michael Goldsmith, expanding MRI technology and thus
providing physicians a way to see the soft tissue of the body. The first
MRI scan performed in a full body MRI machine was 1977.Today, the
MRI is considered by many physicians to be the standard for imaging the
structures and tissues of the human body. MRI scans can detect tumors
in the brain, masses in the abdomen, or blockages in the vascular
system. There are a number of disorders the MRI can image. MRI scans
are clear and concise, they emit no radiation and they show much more
detail than their predecessor the CT scan. MRI technology provides much
more detailed images. As MRI technology continues to improve, it is likely
to surpass the use of radiation methods, such as X-rays and CT scans, in
all imaging of the body and brain.
An MRI machine uses computer-controlled radio waves and very big
magnets, which create a magnetic field roughly 25,000 times stronger
than the earth's magnetic field. After the machine creates a magnetic
field, it sends radio waves into the body and then measures the response
of its cells (how much energy they release) with a computer. From these
responses, the computer is able to create a three dimensional picture of
the inside of the body. MRI makes use of the fact that all living cells have
a certain magnetic quality to them; because of this, MRI can provide a
look at the biochemistry of living cells. The MRI has become the preferred
imaging modality to diagnose disease of the brain or central nervous
system.
On the other hand, MRI has no known associated health risks. What can
be learned from MRIs is, generally, more sophisticated and detailed than
from CT scanning. MRI is best put to use in examining the central
nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). It can also be used to identify
tumors, strokes, degenerative diseases, inflammation, infection, and
other abnormalities in organs and other soft tissue of the body.