Intro to CT: MRI vs CT imaging

Question 1

Define the different imaging planes a computed tomography image can be obtained

Answer 1

coronal, sagittal, axial

Question 2

Define a sagittal image plane.

Answer 2

Image right to left

Question 3

Define a coronal image plane

Answer 3

image taken anterior to posterior

Question 4

Define an axial plane

Answer 4

image taken superior to inferior

Question 5

Identify the other term used to describe an axial image plane.

Answer 5

transverse

Question 6

Describe the appearance of a plain diagnostic image with comparison to that of a computed tomography image.

Answer 6

A plain x-ray looks very similar to a CT image. In CT though you can get many views of the same area in just one scan and in a shorter amount of time than what it would take to do an x-ray series.

Question 7

Describe the appearance of a magnetic resonance image with comparison to that of a computed tomography image

Answer 7

CT imaging shows bone very well, doesn’t show soft tissue very well, and commonly uses contrast. MRI doesn’t show bone well, shows soft tissue very well, and does not usually use contrast

Question 8

Explain why in computed tomography contrast media is needed to distinguish soft tissue lesions and why it is not necessary in MRI.

Answer 8

Since CT imaging does not show soft tissue very well contrast is sometimes needed to help show differences within the tissues. MRI specializes in showing soft tissue so using contrast is usually not necessary.

Question 9

Identify the modality that combines computed tomography with nuclear medicine to assist with diagnosing cancer.

Answer 9

PET