We have made an MRI of the lower and upper abdomen of my mother in November 2017 and October 2018. We paid for these privately because we wanted to limit radiation exposure. I believe having a CT scan of the abdomen with contrast is comparatively one of the tests with the highest level of radiation. My mother has an auto-immune disease CIDP and is already at higher risk of developing something worse. We try everything to keep her healthy; anti-inflammatory diet/supplements and exercise.
The doctor at the hospital now says a CT scan with contrast of the abdomen is needed because the MRI did not have enough detail. I thought MRI scans were generally more detailed than CT scans. She has fluid retention that is likely caused by a thrombosis of the portal vein (that has been present for 1.5-2 years). The MRI did not give any indication of other problems. My question is whether we can do an MRI that is as detailed as a 'CT with contrast' for identifying possible problems like cancer. This seems unlikely however because of the result of the MRI's (absence of much change for the last year, only more fluit retention).
The doctor at the hospital now says a CT scan with contrast of the abdomen is needed because the MRI did not have enough detail. I thought MRI scans were generally more detailed than CT scans. She has fluid retention that is likely caused by a thrombosis of the portal vein (that has been present for 1.5-2 years). The MRI did not give any indication of other problems. My question is whether we can do an MRI that is as detailed as a 'CT with contrast' for identifying possible problems like cancer. This seems unlikely however because of the result of the MRI's (absence of much change for the last year, only more fluit retention).