Examination Guide

Guidelines for Choosing the Imaging Modality

The optimal imaging modality must be determined on a case-by-case basis.
For certain clinical questions, multiple imaging methods may be appropriate. In such cases, additional criteria should be considered in the decision-making process, particularly radiation protection regulations based on the “as low as reasonably achievable” (ALARA) principle.

MRI is generally a low-risk modality and involves no exposure to ionizing radiation. It is therefore particularly suitable for children and pregnant women. Its main strengths lie in neurological and musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging, with an increasing role in abdominal diagnostics.

CT is advantageous in acute diagnostic settings (e.g. intracranial hemorrhage, fracture assessment, acute abdomen) or in severely ill or immobilized patients.

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