Comparative Study Of CT And MRI In Diagnosing Abdominal Pathologies

Abstract

Abdominal pathologies present a diagnostic challenge due to the wide range of conditions that can manifest within the abdominal cavity. Accurate imaging is critical for proper diagnosis, treatment planning, and management. This study aims to compare the effectiveness, sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in diagnosing abdominal pathologies. A systematic review of the literature was conducted, analyzing studies that directly compared CT and MRI in detecting various abdominal conditions, including liver lesions, pancreatic tumors, and inflammatory bowel diseases. The findings suggest that while CT is more widely available and faster, MRI offers superior soft tissue contrast and avoids ionizing radiation, making it preferable in certain scenarios, especially in younger patients or those requiring multiple follow-ups. However, the choice between CT and MRI should be individualized based on the specific clinical context, availability of imaging modalities, and patient factors.