Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Equipment, Contrast Agents), By Type (Non-targeted, Targeted), By End Use (Hospitals, Clinics), By Region (North America, Europe), And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound Market Summary

CEUS technology is also cost-effective, free from radiation, and more convenient for patients compared to other imaging techniques, which is projected to drive market growth further. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular & liver disorders is contributing to market expansion. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide.

According to the WHO, approximately 17.9 million people die from cardiovascular conditions each year globally. Frequent monitoring of Left Ventricular (LV) volume and Ejection Fraction (LVEF) is vital in determining the timing and type of treatment offered to patients with cardiovascular conditions. This is driving an increase in referrals for CEUS procedures. Despite the advent of advanced ultrasound imaging techniques like harmonic imaging, LV and LVEF values are often underestimated due to poor endocardial border delineation. Thus, the growing demand for sensitive and accurate diagnostic tools for quantitative assessment of ventricular volume is expected to fuel the growth of the contrast enhanced ultrasound industry.

In addition, the rising demand for minimally invasive diagnostic procedures further drives market growth. CEUS is a noninvasive technique that does not involve ionizing radiation, making it a safer and more cost-effective alternative to imaging modalities such as CT scans and MRI. Technological advancements in ultrasound imaging, along with the development of novel contrast agents, also propel the market. For instance, microbubble contrast agents have significantly improved the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound imaging, leading to better diagnosis and treatment outcomes for various diseases.

Key market players invest heavily in research and development to launch innovative products and gain a competitive edge. The increasing need for precise diagnostic tools for the assessment of cardiac function, particularly ventricular volume, continues to be a major market driver.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The market growth stage is medium, and the pace of growth is accelerating. The global market has witnessed significant innovation, marked by regulatory approvals, partnerships, and collaborations. Key market players are facing increased competition in research & development and obtaining approvals for next-generation contrast agents from regulatory bodies. For instance, in April 2023, Bracco Imaging S.p.A. signed an agreement with SonoThera, Inc., under which Bracco Imaging will provide its gas-filled microbubble technology platform to SonoThera for the development of its innovative nonviral gene therapy platform guided by ultrasound.

Collaboration between pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and medical device manufacturers is crucial for the faster development and commercialization of advanced ultrasound contrast agents. Innovative research is needed to explore new formulations and manufacturing techniques that can improve the stability and imaging capabilities of these agents. Despite this technology's potential to provide precise diagnostic information, microbubbles still need to be utilized in a wider range of medical applications.

Product Insights

The equipment segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 71.7% in 2024, owing to advancements in ultrasound technology, including the integration of transducer innovations and nonlinear imaging techniques. These innovations have streamlined CEUS workflows, making them more efficient and user-friendly. Ultrasound scanner manufacturers increasingly offer comprehensive solutions combining various imaging modalities in a single system, enhancing product usability and improving the overall diagnostic experience. This growing emphasis on advanced, all-in-one ultrasound systems has significantly contributed to the dominance of the equipment segment in the contrast enhanced ultrasound industry.

The contrast agents segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 6.4% from 2025 to 2030, fueled by the growing approval of agents for new indications and their integration into advanced ultrasound technologies. With machines incorporating specialized software and imaging modes like harmonic imaging and power Doppler, the demand for high-quality contrast agents is increasing. FDA-approved agents such as Lumason, SonoVue, and Definity are gaining traction, further fueling market growth. The continuous development of safer, more effective contrast agents is set to expand their clinical applications and accelerate market expansion.

Type Insights

The non-targeted segment accounted for the largest market share in 2024, attributed to the widespread use of FDA-approved non-targeted contrast agents for tumor detection and monitoring. These agents enhance diagnostic sensitivity by improving the visibility of blood vessels around tumors, enabling the detection of small or poorly vascularized tumors that other imaging methods may miss. Furthermore, their ability to assess tumor response to treatment has made them invaluable in oncology. As research advances, the clinical applications of non-targeted agents are projected to expand, further cementing their dominance in the market.

The targeted segment is projected to be the fastest-growing segment over the forecast period, driven by its precision in detecting and characterizing solid tumors. By using microbubble-based contrast agents that bind to specific markers on tumor cells, targeted CEUS offers highly sensitive and specific imaging, making it a valuable tool in oncology. Moreover, the ability to monitor cancer treatment response by assessing changes in targeted tumor markers further enhances its clinical utility. The targeted CEUS segment is expected to experience significant market growth with research progress and new applications being explored.

End Use Insights

The hospitals segment held the largest revenue share in 2024 due to its noninvasive, real-time diagnostic capabilities, particularly in liver, kidney, and organ abnormality assessments. CEUS is increasingly preferred in hospitals because it offers a safer alternative to other imaging techniques, such as CT and MRI, and omits the use of ionizing radiation. This makes it an ideal choice for patients needing frequent imaging. The growing demand for effective, safe, and cost-efficient diagnostic tools has further driven the adoption of CEUS in hospital settings, solidifying its dominance in the contrast enhanced ultrasound industry.

The clinics segment is anticipated to experience significant growth during the forecast period, propelled by the growing demand for noninvasive diagnostic options. CEUS offers real-time imaging, making it ideal for outpatient care, where quick and accurate results are essential. Clinics, with their increasing focus on cost-effective and efficient diagnostic tools, are adopting CEUS technology to provide enhanced patient care. The ability to perform safe, radiation-free imaging in various medical conditions is expected to drive widespread adoption in clinics, fueling market growth.

Regional Insights

North America contrast enhanced ultrasound market dominated the global market with the largest revenue share of 34.6% in 2024, fueled by a highly developed healthcare infrastructure and the growing adoption of CEUS technology. With advanced medical facilities and a strong focus on innovative diagnostic solutions, healthcare providers increasingly use CEUS for its noninvasive, real-time imaging capabilities. CEUS allows for enhanced visualization of blood flow and tissue characterization, improving diagnostic accuracy. The integration of this technology into routine practices by hospitals and clinics drives the market demand, offering better outcomes for patients and boosting regional market growth. For instance, in September 2023, Philips launched a new Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) application for its EPIQ Elite system, featuring microvascular imaging with super resolution CEUS. This upgrade boosted spatial resolution by 200% over previous versions, improving the visualization of contrast media flow and dynamic changes, which enhanced diagnostic accuracy.

U.S. Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound Market Trends

The U.S. contrast enhanced ultrasound market accounted for the largest share in the regional market in 2024, attributed to the development of portable ultrasound systems and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases. Portable ultrasound devices offer greater accessibility and convenience, enabling use in outpatient settings, emergency rooms, and remote locations. Furthermore, the increasing incidence of chronic conditions, especially cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and liver disorders, creates a higher demand for advanced imaging technologies. These trends accelerate the adoption of CEUS, which offers non-invasive, accurate, and real-time diagnostic capabilities, further boosting contrast enhanced ultrasound industry expansion.

Europe Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound Market Trends

Europe contrast enhanced ultrasound market is anticipated to witness significant expansion over the forecast period, owing to the growing preference for noninvasive and radiation-free diagnostic procedures. CEUS provides a safer, efficient alternative to traditional imaging methods, eliminating concerns associated with radiation exposure. In addition, the increased focus on pediatric imaging is driving its adoption, as CEUS offers a gentle, accurate diagnostic tool for children. These factors propel the market, making CEUS a preferred choice in routine and specialized diagnostics across Europe.

Asia Pacific Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound Market Trends

Asia Pacific contrast enhanced ultrasound market is expected to be the fastest-growing region with a CAGR of 6.78% from 2025 to 2030, propelled by rising healthcare investments and the approval of new contrast agents and CEUS equipment. Increased government and private sector spending on healthcare infrastructure and ultrasound technology advancements drive the demand for more accurate and efficient diagnostic tools. The approval of innovative contrast agents enhances image clarity, improving detection capabilities for conditions such as cancer and liver diseases. These developments are expected to expand the adoption of CEUS, fueling market growth across the region.

Japan contrast enhanced ultrasound market is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the regional market during the forecast period, driven by rising adoption of point-of-care services and an aging population. CEUS is increasingly being used in point-of-care settings, where its noninvasive nature and real-time imaging capabilities offer significant advantages for quick, accurate diagnoses. The aging population in Japan, which has a high prevalence of age-related diseases, also drives demand for advanced imaging technologies like CEUS. These trends are anticipated to accelerate market growth, improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes in the country.

Key Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound Company Insights

Some of the key companies in the contrast enhanced ultrasound industry includeLantheus, GE HealthCare, Bracco, Siemens Healthineers AG, and Koninklijke Philips N.V.

• Lantheus is a radiopharmaceutical company specializing in precision diagnostics and therapeutics. Its portfolio includes products like PYLARIFY for cancer detection, DEFINITY for cardiac imaging, and AI-driven solutions for disease management.

• GE Healthcare provides a wide range of medical imaging, monitoring, and diagnostic equipment, including ultrasound systems, contrast agents, and healthcare IT solutions. The company supports clinical decision-making and improves patient outcomes through advanced technologies and services.

Recent Developments

• In September 2023, GE HealthCare received a grant of USD 44 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to create AI-assisted ultrasound technology. This funding will enable the development of state-of-the-art auto-assessment applications and tools for ultrasound imaging that utilize AI assistance. The newly developed technology will be focused on improving maternal and fetal health and respiratory diseases. The project will be led by Caption Health, which GE HealthCare recently acquired, and the technology will be designed to function on various ultrasound devices and probes, including lower-cost handheld devices.

• In March 2023, Bracco Imaging announced the expansion of its product portfolio in the ultrasound & MRI contrast as it recognizes the growth potential. In addition, the company is partnering with scanner manufacturers to promote ultrasound contrast, especially in China, Japan, and Korea.

Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound Market Report Scope

Global Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global contrast enhanced ultrasound market report on the basis of product, type, end use, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Equipment

  • Contrast Agents

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Non-targeted

  • Targeted

• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Hospitals

  • Clinics

  • Ambulatory Diagnostic Centers

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

    • Thailand

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait