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

Flow Without 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