Dedicated breast MRI leads growing adjunct breast imaging market

The market for adjunct breast imaging systems—covering breast coils, dedicated breast MRI systems and breast-specific gamma imaging systems—will grow at a compound annual growth rate of almost 28 percent over the next five years, according to a report from the Millennium Research Group (MRG).

Given the growth exhibited by the market segments, MRG surveyed radiologists who regularly perform breast imaging procedures to gauge the future adoption of breast imaging modalities.

The respondents showed a strong preference for breast MRI, particularly dedicated breast MRI, the fastest-growing market segment, according to the research group.

On average, the report said that only 4 percent of breast imaging procedures employed MRI in 2008, yet almost all respondents expect the modality to be more heavily used by 2013, fueled by falling procedure costs and improved image quality.

"Although we expected MRI to post a strong showing due to its proven clinical capabilities, it was surprising to see just how important radiologists expect dedicated breast MRI systems to become by 2013," said David Plow, manager of MRG's imaging division. "This trend is particularly enlightening when you consider the rankings other breast imaging modalities received when the respondents were asked to forecast system popularity five years out."

Around the web

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.