Pediatric MRI Market

Pediatric MRI Market Synopsis

The Global Pediatric MRI Market was valued at USD 2.6 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow from USD 2.8 billion in 2024 to USD 5.5 billion by 2033, reflecting a CAGR of 7.6% over the forecast period.

Pediatric MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) market is recording steady growth as far as the demand related to the non-invasive diagnosis tools that are specific to be used by children is concerned. One of the images that are favored in pediatrics is MRI as it does not use ionizing radiation as part of the devices used to construct the image, and this element makes it safe among the young patients. These trends are being fuelled by growing cases of neurological disorders, birth defects, and sport related injuries among children, whose specific and accurate imaging is necessary to provide proper diagnosis and treatment planning. Market growth is also being driven by technological developments e.g. faster imaging sequence, more child friendly MRI systems and artificial intelligence (AI) integration into help enhance image quality and improve scan times.

Pediatric MRI Market Driver Analysis

Growing Demand for Radiation-Free Imaging

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is thought to be a safer imaging tool for children mainly due to the fact that it fails to cause any ionization as opposed to CT (Computed Tomography) scans and X-rays. Ionizing radiations can harm living tissues and cells (DNA), this may elevate the risk of cancer in long term especially to children who have not fully developed bodies and their life expectancy is also long. Pediatric patients usually need regular imaging to check the condition or see the effects of treatments changing, which is why reducing radiation is a priority. MRI is the answer because it produces detailed images of inner organs and tissues without the use of any radiation by using strong magnets and radio waves. This benefit is a plus on the safety side of MRI to be used as a means of diagnostics in pediatrics, neurological musculoskeletal and congenital disease which might need frequent comparison.

Pediatric MRI Market Restraint Analysis

Need for Sedation or Anesthesia

MRI scans usually need young children to be sedated, as they might not be capable of holding still throughout the procedure essential to obtain clear and accurate images. MRI scans may be long and loud and due to the small size inside the machine, young children have a tendency of getting anxious or fidgety. Sedation is to make the child stable and immobile to produce quality images. The choice of sedation, however, has more risks associated with it, like negative responses towards the anesthetic medicines and recovery complications. It also adds up the total expense involved in the procedure because special medical staff, monitoring devices and long duration preparation and recovery will be required. Consequently, the need of sedation presents a major problem in the field of pediatric MRI when it comes to patient safety as well as healthcare resources.

Pediatric MRI Market Opportunity Analysis

Development of Portable and Child-Friendly MRI Systems

Portable and miniaturized MRI solutions can greatly improve the opportunities of accessibility and patient comfort, especially in the sphere of pediatric care. The classic MRI systems are bulky, fixed, and costly to place, therefore, they can only be accessed by the big hospitals and diagnostic facilities. Portable MRI machines on the other hand, have the capability of being moved to various locations such as small clinics, rural hospitals and even at the bedside of the critical care department. These convenience minimizes the inconvenience of children having to commute long distances or being transferred into stressful hospitals. Moreover, smaller MRI systems tend to be quieter and less anxiety-inducing, and often they use less time to complete a scan, which is less stressful to small children.

Pediatric MRI Market Trend Analysis

Focus on Minimally Invasive Diagnostic Techniques

Pediatric MRI typically tends to focus on the use of less sedation and faster imaging and overall comfort. Young children usually have difficulties lying still during normal MRI testing procedures, hence a reason why sedation has always been done to clarify the picture. Sedation however is medically risky and makes the procedure more complex and expensive. In response, healthcare providers and manufacturers have prioritized devices that reduce scan time including accelerated imaging sequences and reconstruction with the help of AI. There is also the technology of better scanner design, e.g. quiet machines, box-open systems, child-friendly environment with reassuring pictures or sounds to distract the patient, etc.

Pediatric MRI Market Segment Analysis

The Pediatric MRI Market is segmented on the basis of Type, Application, and End-User.

By Type

o   4D MRI

o   Functional MRI

o   Other Types

By Application

o   Neurology

o   Orthopedics

o   Oncology

o   Cardiology

o   Other Application Types

By End-User

o   Hospitals

o   Diagnostic Centers

o   Other End-Users

By Region

o   North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)

o   Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, The Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Rest of Eastern Europe)

o   Western Europe (Germany, UK, France, Netherlands, Italy, Russia, Spain, Rest of Western Europe)

o   Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, The Philippines, Australia, New-Zealand, Rest of APAC)

o   Middle East & Africa (Turkey, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Israel, South Africa)

o   South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SA)

By Type, Functional MRI Segment is Expected to Dominate the Market During the Forecast Period

The types discussed in this research study, the functional MRI segment is expected to account for the largest market share of pediatric MRI market in the forecast period. The type of MRI that is expected to dominate the pediatric MRI market in the foreseeable future is the functional MRI (fMRI). This superiority is occasioned by the rise in demand of brain imaging at a high level to help to assess neurological growth, identify malfunctions or abnormalities as well as check brain functioning in the conditions like epilepsy, autism spectrum disorders, and brain tumors only to mention a few. Functional MRI is possible because it maps the brain activity through alterations in blood flow so that the interaction between different areas of the brain of a child and the stimuli may be critically studied.

By Application, the Neurology Segment is Expected to Held the Largest Share

The neurology segment is likely to dominate the market. The largest share of the pediatric MRI market by application is expected to be the neurology segment of the market in the forecast period. This is basically because, the prevalence rate of neurological diseases in children is very high including epilepsy, brain tumors, developmental delays, hydrocephalus and malformed brains at birth. The best mode of imaging in the diagnosis and tracking of these conditions is the MRI mode since it produces high-resolution picture of the brain and spinal cord without irradiating young patients.

By End-User, the Automotive & Transportation Segment is Expected to Held the Largest Share

The hospitals segment is expected to dominate the pediatric MRI market by end-user during the forecast period. Hospitals are the most prepared with higher level MRI systems and have the infrastructure, trained staff and pediatric units available to provide complex imaging services. They also have the main location of children who need radiology diagnostic due to severe illnesses like neurological, congenital malformation and cancers. In addition, the number of pediatric patients in hospitals is more than in standalone diagnostic centers, especially during emergencies and inpatient services.

Pediatric MRI Market Regional Insights

North America is Expected to Dominate the Market Over the Forecast period 

North America is projected to dominate the pediatric MRI market throughout the forecast period, owing to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, high healthcare expenditure, and early adoption of innovative medical imaging technologies. The presence of domestic and global majors engaged in the manufacturing of MRI machines and a rising concentration on the early detection of the disease and pediatric response is beneficial to the region. Also, the rising level of the developmental/neurological condition in children in U.S and Canada is stimulating the use of high-quality diagnostic devices such as MRI. The market in the region is also encouraged by favorable reimbursement policies, presence of good radiologists and research undertaking in pediatric imaging. All these are factors that make North America continue holding the largest market share of the global market of pediatric MRI.

Recent Development

In February 2023, In February 2023, Hyperfine, Inc. obtained CE Marking for its Swoop system, the world’s first FDA-cleared portable MRI device. Although the company continues to prioritize its commercial efforts in the United States, the CE Marking paves the way for potential market expansion across the European Economic Area (EEA).

Active Key Players in the Pediatric MRI Market

o   Philips Healthcare

o   Aspect Imaging

o   Medtronic

o   Esaote

o   Ultimate Medical Services

o   Bracco Imaging

o   GE Healthcare

o   Mindray

o   Neusoft Medical Systems

o   Cannon Medical

o   Samsung Medison

o   Fujifilm Holdings

o   Siemens Healthineers

o   Other Key Players

Global Pediatric MRI Market Scope