Market Analysis: MRI

MRI is one of the most commonly used medical imaging modalities, according to Kalorama Information. More than 26 million MRI scans are performed in the U.S. each year, with increased applications in chest, vascular, breast and cardiac imaging procedures. Still, growth in the number of annual procedures is slowing down, which Kalorama attributes to the requirement for pre-certification from insurers and its decreased use in emergency settings.

But MRI has remained competitive with other imaging modalities in the past 10 years. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission’s annual report to Congress found that utilization of MRI in parts of the body other than the brain more than doubled from 2001 to 2009, increasing from 64 services per 1,000 to 144 per 1,000. There was a slight decrease in that number in 2010, though the market continues to grow, despite the recession. MRI’s ability to image both anatomically and functionally has led clinicians to use the modality in surgical planning and navigation, as well as in combination with other modalities to achieve greater image quality. For example, 3D MRI is sensitive enough to replace arthroscopy, Kalorama reports.

In March, Kalorama reported another trend responsible for growth in the MRI market: When used together, MRI and ultrasound imaging become more effective – a trend cited among many factors responsible for the growth in sales of both modalities. In its recent report, “Medical Imaging Markets: MRI and Ultrasound,” the firm notes that worldwide revenues for MRI and ultrasound systems grew at 6 percent and 4 percent respectively between 2010 and 2011.

One example of combination usage is in rotator cuff tears. While ultrasound is usually viewed as more cost effective, MRI is most often used to evaluate the rotator cuff. When performing a cost utility analysis, utilizing ultrasound as the initial medical imaging test for a rotator cuff tear, along with a pre-operative MRI to identify alternative and concurrent diagnoses, can be a very effective hybrid imaging strategy.

“Ultrasound is a cheaper imaging modality, yet MRI can provide more depth,” said Joe Constance, Kalorama’s imaging analyst and the author of the report. “So it’s not a surprise to see ultrasound recommended for the initial medical imaging test and an MRI as a secondary test to find any alternate diagnosis and give the surgeon the needed anatomy.”

The combination of modalities is also used to diagnose breast cancer. A second-look ultrasound of the breast, used in conjunction with MRI, allows radiologists to identify lesions not detected with conventional mammography and first-look ultrasound; in some cases it allows radiologists to determine whether or not a lesion is malignant or benign. This was highlighted in a study performed at the University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy, that included 182 patients who had mammography, ultrasound and MRI. The trend has become accepted among some radiologists. And new research may find new combination uses.

Other trends driving revenues include an aging population, increased efficacy and new, higher priced systems. Trends in the technology that help drive the market include reduced scan times and the development of 3T scanners, which increase scan times and image clarity.