While working with a patient with Crohn’s disease in my gastroenterology practice, I nearly ordered a computed tomography (CT) scan for her as I began to formulate a plan. After talking with her, I discovered she had received 18 CT scans at multiple hospitals in the prior three years. As a physics major, I knew medical radiation was potentially harmful, but nowhere was that harm calculated and put into real terms for me to assimilate in my plan.

There have been a few big, recent advancements in cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) imaging technology. The biggest of these was the introduction of two CT systems aimed specifically at the coronary imaging market — the GE Healthcare Cardiographe dedicated cardiac CT scanner and the Canon (formerly Toshiba) Aquilion Precision.

According to the Prescient & Strategic Intelligence report, “Global Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Market Size, Share, Development, Growth and Demand Forecast to 2022,”¹ the global magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) market size is projected to reach $7.5 billion by 2022, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5 percent during the forecast period. The market is driven by factors such as growing geriatric population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and technological advancements. An increasing awareness about the benefits of MRI technology and increasing healthcare expenditure are also driving the growth of the global MRI market.