What's the Difference Between MRI and CT Scan?

        Nowadays, technology has a big influence in all aspects of our lives, including the health field. Medical instruments are one example of the application of technology in the health field. These instruments implement many principles such as bioimaging, biomechanics, bio optic, and bioelectric. CT Scan (Computed Tomography Scan)  and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are the examples of bioimaging medical instruments that are commonly used in hospitals. Computed Tomography Scanner (CT-scan), also called X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) or computerized axial tomography scan (CAT scan), is a medical imaging method using tomography in which geometric processing is used to produce a three-dimensional image. the interior of an object from a large series of two-dimensional X-ray (X-ray) images taken around one "axis" rotation. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the important medical tools used by doctors, to see the inside of the human body, without the need for surgery. Currently, MRI is becoming more and more common. In addition to looking at the state of the human body, MRI technology can also evaluate whether a treatment therapy is effective or not. Both scans are usually known as doughnut shaped medical imaging devices that can create detailed images of internal body parts. However, one of them might be selected over the other by doctors and  patients for diseases examination. The decision is usually affected by four major factors based on the way they are producing images, their history, cost range, and the application in medical cases.

The most basic difference between CT Scan and MRI lies in the image quality that is resulted from each of these devices. In order to operate, CT Scan uses computer and rotating x-ray to create cross sectional images of internal body parts. The scanning process is usually completed within only 5 minutes. Because the process is done quickly, the images usually only can visualize bone, organs, soft tissue, and blood vessels in two dimensional form as the results (Ross, 2019). On the other hand, MRI can produce more detailed images than CT Scan. MRI uses radio waves and strong magnetic fields to generate images (Stark, 1988). The scanning process may be quick (finished in 10-15 minutes) or may take a long time (2 hours) depending which body part that the MRI is looking for. Similar to CT Scan, MRI also creates a view of bones,tissue, and organs. But by using MRI we can get a detailed, in depth look at tissues and organs, including soft tissues, blood vessels, and even nerves.

Based on their history, CT Scan was created by British engineer, Godfrey Hounsfield of EMI Laboratories and the prototype was published in 1972 at Atkinson Morley Hospital. The idea of CT Scan appeared when Godfrey Hounsfield wanted to reconstruct a 3D picture of a box and re-imagining the object as a series of slices. Since its introduction in the 1970s, CT has become an important tool in medical imaging to complement medical X-rays and ultrasound (Catalina, 2019). Meanwhile, MRI was known as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) at first observed during the late 1930s until 1970s. In 1973, Paul Lauterbur showed NMR could produce images because of the signals from different atoms at the strength of the magnetic field. After that, British scientists. Peter Mansfield developed the mathematical processes that turned NMR to be MRI into a useful rapid imaging technique (Affordable MRI, 2021).

The third factor which is usually a big matter for patients is the cost range. Mostly, patients will choose to use CT Scan because it is less expensive than MRI. This device's cost range is usually from $1,200 to $3,200. Just like CT Scan, actually MRI also can cost around $1,200. However the price will be higher along with the complexity of the body parts that are scanned. In most cases, MRI usually costs around $1,200 to $4,000.

CT Scan and MRI are used for different medical cases. In hospitals, doctors usually will use CT Scan first for most people and recommend MRI Scan for further evaluation (Stallard, 2019).Doctors typically use CT scans to identify circulation problems, abdominal abnormalities, lung issues, skeletal system problems, and head conditions. This device is mainly used for detecting cancers and tumors in the torso. In contrast, MRI can show certain diseases that a CT scan cannot detect. Doctors usually use MRI to diagnose several conditions such as breast cancer, tumors, joint abnormalities, blood vessel irregularities, brain problems, inflammatory bowel conditions, liver disease, and bone disorders. This device is popular for examining spinal cord disorders.

Actually, CT Scan and MRI Scan are two important and advanced medical technologies in the health field. Both of them are different medical imaging methods that can create detailed images of internal body parts. The way they are producing images, cost range, and the application in medical cases are three factors that distinguish CT Scan and MRI Scan. Doctors and patients usually choose one over another. CT Scan is mainly used for detecting cancer and tumors whereas MRI is a popular method for examining spinal cord disorders.

References :

Affordable MRI. 2021. The History of MRI from www.affordablemri.com on June 25th, 2021 at 0:34.

Catalina Imaging. 2019. History of the CT Scan from www.catalinaimaging.com on june 25th, 2021 at 0:22.

Fletcher,Jenna.2019.What is the difference between CT scans and MRI scans?.On 3 Juni 2021 from

            https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326839

Health Images.MRI vs. CT Scan.on 3 Juni 2021 from https://www.healthimages.com/mri-vs-ct-scan/

Ross,Heather.2019.CT (Computed Tomography) Scan.On 3 Juni 2021 from https://www.healthline.com/health/ct-scan

Stallard,Jim.2019.CT vs MRI: What’s the Difference? And How Do Doctors Choose WImaging Method to Use?.Diakses pada 3 Juni 2021 dari https://www.mskcc.org/news/ct-vs-mri-what-s-difference-and-how-do-doctors-choo

            -which-imaging-method-use

Stark, David D. Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The CV Mosby Company. Toronto, 1988. From https://www.ptik.unhas.ac.id on June 25th 2021 at 14:49

AUTHORS:

Atin Asna Octavia (082011733009)

Andrea Trisyana Dewi (082011733034)

Anita Eka Novitasari (082011733038)

Kezia Sarahsophia Immanuel Ryadi (082011733065)

FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

AIRLANGGA UNIVERSITY

2021