Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Medical Imaging

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Medical Imaging 1. Computed Tomography (CT) vs. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) CT and MRI are both imaging techniques, but they differ in how they create images. CT uses X-rays, while MRI uses magnetic fields. CT is excellent for visualizing bone fractures and bleeding, while MRI is ideal for soft tissue imaging. Understanding their differences ensures the right modality is chosen for accurate diagnosis. 2. Sensitivity vs. Specificity Sensitivity measures a test's ability to correctly identify positive cases, while specificity measures its ability to correctly identify negative cases. In medical imaging, striking the right balance between the two is crucial. A highly sensitive test may have more false positives, while a highly specific test may have more false negatives. 3. Radiolucent vs. Radiopaque Radiolucent refers to substances that X-rays can easily pass through, appearing dark on the image. Radiopaque substances, on the other hand, block X-rays, appearing white. This distinction is vital when interpreting X-rays and understanding the presence or absence of certain structures or foreign bodies. 4. Axial vs. Coronal vs. Sagittal