U.S. CT And MRI Contrast Media Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Modality (CT, MRI), By Product (Gadolinium-based Contrast Media, Iodinated Contrast Media), By Application, By Route Of Administration, By End-use, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Market Size & Trends

The U.S. CT and MRI contrast media market size was estimated at USD 2.08 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.23% from 2025 to 2030. The market growth is primarily driven by the rising incidence of chronic disorders and the increasing demand for medical imaging. For instance, according to data from the CDC published in February 2024, an estimated 129 million people in the U.S. have at least one major chronic disease. Moreover, a study published by the National Library of Medicine in October 2023 reports that nearly 40 million MRI scans are conducted annually in the U.S.

The increasing number of individuals suffering from chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiac conditions and neurological disorders is anticipated to boost the demand for contrast media products. Contrast media are used in cancer imaging to help doctors diagnose and treat cancer.

• According to the data published by the National Cancer Institute in May 2024, an estimated 2,001,140 new cases of cancer will be recorded in the U.S., and around 611,720 individuals are predicted to succumb to it in 2024.

• As per the statistics published by the American Cancer Society in January 2023, around 609,820 cancer deaths and 1,958,310 new cancer cases were projected to occur in the U.S.

• As per the data published by the National Library of Medicine in February 2024, about 6.7 million individuals living in America over 20 years of age have heart failure, and the prevalence is predicted to increase to 8.5 million Americans by 2030.

Chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and neurological disorders require frequent medical imaging for diagnosis and monitoring. Contrast media are critical in detecting anomalies and allowing for early intervention. The growing incidence of these diseases is anticipated to contribute to the demand for contrast media used during CT and MRI procedures in the U.S.

In addition, ongoing technological advancements in medical imaging and the development of contrast media are expected to drive growth in the CT and MRI contrast media market in the coming years. Various research and academic institutions are actively working to provide patients with advanced diagnostic and treatment products. For instance, an article published by the Regents of the University of California in May 2024 highlights that a translational research group in the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging at the University of California is focused on developing and validating new CT techniques and creating novel contrast agents. These innovations aim to significantly enhance patient diagnoses, presurgical planning, and treatment monitoring. Such research activities are anticipated to propel market growth throughout the forecast period.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The market growth stage is moderate, and the pace of the market growth is accelerating. The U.S. CT and MRI contrast media market is characterized by growth owing to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the increasing research activities focusing on medical imaging and the effectiveness of contrast agents.

Industry players and researchers are concentrating on developing advanced CT and MRI contrast media products, focusing on environmentally friendly initiatives. For instance, in March 2022, Advocate Aurora Health, a U.S. hospital network, launched an iodine recycling program in collaboration with GE Healthcare. This initiative allows hospitals worldwide to collect and return unused GE iodine-based imaging contrast media that would otherwise go to waste. Advocate Aurora will gather unused contrast media from its facilities in Illinois and Wisconsin for reprocessing, providing containers for the safe storage of uncontaminated materials. Such innovative recycling initiatives by U.S. healthcare facilities are expected to enhance market growth significantly.

Regulatory Agency, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), establishes quality and safety standards for medical devices, including CT and MRI contrast media products. The U.S. FDA is involved in marketing authorizations and clinical trials of CT and MRI contrast media products. Some of the recently FDA-approved contrast media include Elucirem (Gadopiclenol, Guerbet), Gadoterate Meglumine Injection (Fresenius Kabi), and Iodixanol Injection, USP (Fresenius Kabi), among others.

Companies are increasingly acquiring development-stage firms to expand their product offerings and reach a broader patient population. Major players often purchase smaller firms to enhance their market position, diversify their product lines, or access innovative technologies. For instance, in January 2023, Bayer, a player operating in the U.S. market, announced the acquisition of Blackford Analysis Ltd., a provider of imaging AI platforms and solutions, to address the increasing need for medical imaging services amid the scarcity of radiologists. This acquisition aligns with Bayer's strategic vision to foster innovation in radiology, encompassing the integration and advancement of AI within the clinical workflow. Blackford Analysis Ltd has a presence in the U.S. The company focuses on enhancing patient care and its position in digital medical imaging.

The U.S. market for CT and MRI contrast agents is consolidated and dominated by large companies that supply gadolinium-based and iodine-based contrast agents. Notable players in this market include GE Healthcare, Bracco Diagnostics, Inc., Bayer, and Guerbet.

Modality Insights

The x-ray/ computed tomography (CT) segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024. This can be attributed to technological advances and the high volume of CT scans performed in the U.S. each year. According to the data published by the National Library of Medicine in March 2024, over 80 million CT scans are conducted annually in the U.S. Thus, such high demand for CT scans and associated use of iodinated contrast media during CT procedures for enhanced visibility is anticipated to propel the segment growth in the coming years.

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) segment is projected to witness the fastest CAGR of 8.52% from 2025 to 2030 due to increasing demand. The inclusion of a contrast-enhancing substance in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has substantially enhanced image quality, enabling radiologists to interpret MRIs to detect anatomical intricacies & abnormalities. A contrast-enhanced MRI employs a contrast agent, commonly known as contrast dye, to produce intricate images of the internal structures within the body. Typically, Gadolinium-based Contrast Agents (GBCAs) are employed for contrast MRIs due to their nontoxic nature and high level of safety. The addition of contrast agents helps radiologists identify differences in bodily tissues, including cancerous and healthy tissues.

Product Insights

The iodinated contrast media segment accounted for the largest market share in 2024. Computed Tomography (CT) procedures employing intravenous iodinated contrast substance remain the foremost imaging technique utilized for the identification, treatment strategizing, and post-treatment monitoring of most cancers. Iodinated contrast media is typically administered intravenously. Some of the common iodinated contrast media include Optiray, Omnipaque, Visipaque, Isovue, and Ultravist, among others.

The Gadolinium-based contrast media segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of 7.44% from 2025 to 2030. Approximately one of every three MRI scans uses Gadolinium-based Contrast Agents (GBCAs) to enhance the quality of images showing the body's internal structures. This augmentation enhances the precision of the MRI's diagnostic capabilities. Several developments by market players are contributing to the segment's growth. For instance, in June 2023, Bayer announced initiating QUANTI, a Phase III clinical development program, to assess the efficacy and safety of gadoquatrane, a GBCA for MRI.

Application Insights

The neurological disorders segment accounted for the largest market share of 28.23% in 2024.  Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are widely used to enhance diagnostic value in neurological MRI studies. GBCAs are critical in effectively visualizing and differentiating between normal and abnormal tissue, which is vital in any imaging assessment. In particular, their application is crucial when evaluating small metastatic lesions that do not exhibit perifocal edema. As the demand for accurate and detailed imaging continues to rise, the demand for GBCAs in neuro MRI is anticipated to propel segment growth further, enabling better diagnosis and treatment planning for neurological conditions.

The cardiovascular disorders segment is anticipated to grow fastest in the coming years. The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and growing demand for medical imaging are expected to support the segment's growth in the coming years. Contrast CT is widely indicated for angiography in patients with cardiac conditions, including peripheral & cerebral arteriography, ventriculography, and coronary arteriography. In addition, computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) enables healthcare professionals to image coronary arteries noninvasively, compared to traditional invasive coronary angiography, to detect coronary artery disease.

Route of Administration Insights

The intravenous segment accounted for the largest market share, 52.96%, in 2024. It is also anticipated to grow fastest over the forecast period. Intravenous contrast media administration significantly improves the quality of medical imaging by enhancing the visibility of soft tissues and blood vessels. Most contrast media, such as Elucirem, ProHance, Eovist, Optiray, and Visipaque, are injected intravenously.

The oral route segment is expected to grow significantly from 2025 to 2030. The primary advantage of oral contrast is its capability to distend the bowels to help differentiate them from adjoining abdominal structures. The rising prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders and the benefit of oral contrast in treating them is anticipated to drive the segment growth in the coming years.

End-use Insights

The hospital segment accounted for the largest market share at 59.92% in 2024. It is also anticipated to witness the fastest growth in the coming years. This growth can be attributed to the increasing patient volumes, advancements in imaging technology, and a growing emphasis on accurate diagnostics. Furthermore, increasing hospital investments in innovative contrast agents and medical imaging to optimize diagnostic accuracy and efficiency is expected to support the segment growth over the forecast period. For instance, in December 2024, HCA Florida Englewood Hospital completed a project of USD 4.4 million for an advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine and an upgraded nuclear medicine camera.

The diagnostic imaging centers segment is anticipated to grow significantly in the coming years. The rising patient demand for non-invasive diagnostic procedures and improved imaging techniques. These centers are increasingly adopting advanced contrast agents to enhance image clarity and accuracy. In addition, the growing prevalence of chronic conditions necessitates frequent imaging, further propelling the need for effective contrast media in these facilities.

Clinical Trials for CT and MRI Contrast Media in the U.S.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov

Government organizations and academic institutions, including the American College of Radiology Imaging Network and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, are actively conducting clinical trials to evaluate CT and MRI contrast media for various applications, such as cardiac disorders, cancer, and neurological conditions. The positive results from these studies are anticipated to lead to the introduction of innovative contrast media products, significantly improving diagnostic capabilities and treatment options. This advancement enhances patient care and stimulates growth in the imaging industry as new technologies emerge.

Key U.S. CT And MRI Contrast Media Company Insights

Bracco Diagnostics Inc., Guerbet, GE HealthCare, Bayer, and Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC, are some of the major players in the U.S. CT and MRI contrast media market. These companies are expanding their portfolios in this sector and acquiring smaller firms to strengthen their competitive edge in the rapidly growing industry. Moreover, industry players are launching advanced products to meet the increasing demand.

Recent Developments

• In November 2024, Bracco Diagnostics Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Bracco Imaging S.p.A., diagnostic imaging, announced that its latest FDA-approved MRI agent, VUEWAY (gadopiclenol) injection, has reached one million patient administrations across more than 480 customer sites.

• In October 2024, GE HealthCare announced the results of its Phase I clinical trial for manganese-based macrocyclic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent.

U.S. CT And MRI Contrast Media Market Report Scope

U.S. CT And MRI Contrast Media Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the U.S. CT and MRI contrast media market report based on product, modality, application, route of administration, and end-use:

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

  • Gadolinium-based Contrast Media

  • Iodinated Contrast Media

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

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging

    • Elucirem/Vueway

    • Dotarem

    • ProHance

    • MultiHance

    • Gadovist

    • Eovist / Primovist

    • Clariscan

    • Others Generics

  • X-ray/Computed Tomography

    • Optiray

    • ISOVUE

    • Ultravist

    • Omnipaque

    • Visipaque

    • Others Generics

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

  • Cardiovascular Disorders

  • Neurological Disorders

  • Gastrointestinal Disorders

  • Cancer

  • Nephrological Disorders

  • Musculoskeletal Disorders

  • Others

• Route of Administration Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Intravenous

  • Oral Route

  • Rectal Route

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

  • Hospitals

  • Diagnostic Imaging Centers

  • Others