MRI vs. CAT Scan for Acute Abdominal Pain
Why is the CT scan the first imaging tool of choice for acute abdominal pain since it emits radiation?
What if the patient in the ER insists on an MRI to avoid the radiation exposure? (more…)
How Can a CT Scan Miss a Chronic Subdural Hematoma?
There are cases in which a chronic subdural hematoma on a CT scan image is missed.
How can this be? (more…)
Why Can’t an MRI Be Used for Calcium Scoring?
Since the CT scanner emits radiation, why isn’t MRI technology used to determine one’s calcium score?
After all, there is zero emission of radiation from an MRI procedure.
Furthermore, many people would much prefer lying inside the famed MRI “tube” than being exposed to the radiation from a CT scan.
The CT scan is what’s used for measuring the calcium score.
Magnetic resonance imaging is known to be more sensitive than CT scan for the detection of certain conditions.
MRI is a highly sensitive procedure, able to pick up or discern certain findings with more sensitivity than will an ultrasound or mammogram.
An example is an MRI detecting a malignant breast tumor that was “missed” on an ultrasound as well as mammogram.
But calcium scoring is a whole new animal.
“MRI cannot be used for calcium screening because MRI is relatively insensitive for detection of calcification,” says Resham Mendi, MD, a renowned expert in the field of medical imaging, and the medical director of Bright Light Medical Imaging.
Dr. Mendi adds, “CT is far more sensitive. MRI would be an ineffective test to look for calcific plaque in the coronary arteries.”
This will come as a surprise to anyone who knows that magnetic resonance imaging provides a very high degree of sensitivity.
Nevertheless, this high sensitivity does not apply to calcified plaque inside coronary arteries.
CT Scan, not MRI, Is Your Only Option
If you’re interested in determining your calcium score, you’ll need to undergo a CT scan specifically designed for this purpose.
This scan provides valuable information about the amount of calcium buildup in the coronary arteries, which can be an indicator of coronary artery disease (CAD).
However, there are certain individuals for whom this scan is not recommended.
For instance, a woman who is pregnant or trying to conceive should avoid undergoing a coronary calcium scan. The radiation may pose risks to a developing fetus.
Additionally, a coronary calcium scan is not usually recommended for people at low risk for CAD.
This is because the primary benefit of the scan is to assess risk in people who may have symptoms or risk factors suggesting potential coronary artery disease.
Many healthy individuals who are at low risk for CAD are undergoing CAC scoring due to increased awareness and interest in heart health.
However, for these low-risk individuals, the results may not provide additional actionable information that would change their management or treatment significantly.
The scan is more useful for those who have risk factors, such as a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.
If you’re healthy, fit and at low risk for coronary heart disease, you should discuss the practicality of calcium scoring with a cardiologist.
Dr. Mendi has published several articles in radiology journals and has expertise in MRI, women’s imaging, musculoskeletal, neurological and body imaging.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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Top image: Shutterstock/Natalie Board
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All the Sounds in the Ear that TMJ Disorder Can Cause
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Cause of Headaches and Swooshing Sound in Ears
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In fact, doctors failed to figure out what was causing these symptoms in a 14-year-old girl. Her problem could also happen to adults. (more…)
Can Sleep Apnea Mandibular Appliance Worsen TMJ Disorder?
Oral appliances for sleep apnea, namely the mandibular advancement device, can make a pre-existing TMJ problem worse.
This is ironic, because in some cases of obstructive sleep apnea, TMJ disorder is the cause. (more…)
Two Medical Conditions that Can Make TMJ Worse
There are common two medical conditions in particular that can make TMJ disorder a lot worse.
Temporomandibular joint disorder symptoms are bad enough without some other medical condition amplifying them. (more…)
Is Your Headache from TMJ or Brain Tumor? Misdiagnosis Possible
Have you been told by a dentist that your headaches are from TMJ? What has your dentist done to rule out a brain tumor? misdiagnosed
“There are many different kinds of headaches, but TMJ headaches typically occur with other symptoms,” says Jeffrey Haddad, DDS, of Doolin Haddad Advanced Dentistry in Rochester, MI. (more…)
