What is the Difference Between PET Scan Vs MRI Scan

by Dr. Ravin Sharma Radiologist

There are various imaging methods to diagnose and detect the problem affecting your health. PET (positron emission tomography) scans and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans are advanced imaging techniques to get a clear view of the problem. These scanning procedures help doctors to detect problems and track their development for effective treatment. Generally, these scans are done in separate manners to diagnose the problem but in some conditions, both scans are done in conjunction.

These combined tests help the doctor view the area to be scanned at both the cellular level and structural-level

What is a PET scan?

A PET (positron emission tomography) scan is an advanced nuclear medicine procedure that uses a radiotracer, and a PET scanner to produce the images. The produced images help the doctor in understanding the functions of tissues or organs. Because PET scans detect the problem at the cellular level that’s why is it most often used for mentioned below purposes:

To detect cancer.
To track the progression of cancer.
To evaluate the various kind of brain damage or disorders.
To detect the problems such as tumors, seizures, cognitive issues, and their cause.
To evaluate the damage to the heart
To evaluate the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD)

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging methodology that uses a strong magnet and high-frequency radio waves to capture and record images of the organs and structure of a particular area.

MRI scan helps Doctors in Diagnosing and detect the problems with

Joints
Blood vessels
Brain
Spinal cord
Abdominal organs
Breasts

In this article, you will get knowledge about PET scans, and MRI scans and how both PET scans and MRI scans are different from each other.

Difference Between PET CT Scan and MRI Scan

There is various difference between the PET scan and MRI. But the main difference is that a PET scan shows the changes at the cellular level and reveals the problems that occur due to the change in the metabolic or biochemical function of your tissues and organs. It helps doctors in detecting problems at the early stage.

PET Scan uses a radioactive tracer to produce images of a specific area. On the other hand, an MRI scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to image a particular area.

PET Scan produces 3D pictures of the radiotracer distribution within the human body. It shows the working of organs in real-time. On the hand, an MRI scan produces pictures of body organs and their structure.

Compare to an MRI scan, a PET scan detects the changes at cellular levels in organs and tissues faster.

PET Scan is used to detect the problems such as cancer (thyroid cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer), heart disease (coronary heart disease), and brain disorders (epilepsy, brain tumor, Alzheimer’s disease), etc. On the other hand, an MRI scan is used to detect infection, spinal injuries, brain injuries, heart disorders (tumors inside the heart chamber, damage from the heart), musculoskeletal system diseases, etc.

MRI scan is a radiology imaging procedure, while A PET scan is a nuclear medicine procedure.

MRI scan can’t be performed on patients with implants, prosthetic devices, pacemaker, or stimulators because it uses a strong magnet for the procedure.

PET scan uses radioactive material to measure the metabolic activities of the cells, while an MRI scan uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to detect abnormalities in the body. Only in the case of MRI with contrast, contrast media is used.

Conclusion

Both MRI scans and PET scans are used to detect abnormalities in the body. The doctor prescribes the methodology depending on your problem to decide the specific treatment for your problem.