Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
CAT scan or MRI?
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
CAT scan or MRI?
by Frank__0, Oct 07, 1998 12:00AM
Can an MRI be a alternative to a CAT scan in finding gastric-related
problems such as tumors, lack of blood flow or adhesions?
Dear Frank,
In most cases whenever a CT scan is a useful imaging modality in the gastrointestinal tract an MRI is just as good. Sometimes an MRI provides better images. In the case of imaging the stomach itself, however, both CT and MRI do not provide the detail that an upper GI endoscopy or an upper GI series provide. The latter tests are much better at diagnosing tumors of the stomach. Both modalities image the pancreas well, but MRI can visualize the bile ducts as well. MRI is also better at diagnosing certain liver lesions such as hemangiomas and hepatomas. It would be difficult to diagnose adhesions or low blood flow (ischemia) with either modality. An angiogram is the test of choice to diagnosis acute mesenteric ischemia and a colonoscopy is the test of choice for colonic ischemia. You must keep in mind that MRI is a much more expensive test and that the added benefit of enhanced imaging may not necessarily justify the added cost. Each case must be judged individually. I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568 our Referring Physicians' Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: CT scan, MRI, gastrointestinal tract
