Pediatric MRI Market Research Report and Outlook by 2028

The pediatric MRI sector is anticipated to achieve a valuation of US$ 5,678.86 million by 2028, rising from US$ 3,655.32 million in 2022, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% from 2022 to 2028.

Several factors are contributing to the growth of the pediatric MRI market, including the increasing incidence of premature births and childhood diseases, along with the integration of digital health technologies aimed at enhancing patient care. Additionally, the rise in initiatives focused on promoting awareness about pediatric safety is expected to further stimulate market expansion throughout the forecast period.

Utilization of MRI Simulators to Help Children Adjust to MRI Scanners Will Enhance the Pediatric MRI Market in the Future

The process of undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can induce significant anxiety in pediatric patients and their families. Consequently, many children are sedated to facilitate the examination. However, sedation not only escalates the cost of the procedure but also necessitates the presence of an anesthesiologist. To mitigate these challenges, alternative strategies that promote successful, non-sedated experiences are being explored through the adoption of innovative technologies and simulations that minimize the need for anesthesia. MRI simulators can be employed to evaluate whether children require sedation, and these simulators come in various formats. One promising approach is the use of virtual reality, which provides a computer-generated 3D environment that can be experienced through a head-mounted display (HMD). This technology has proven effective in alleviating anxiety in various pediatric psychological contexts, including fears associated with medical procedures.

For example, Philips Healthcare's Ambient Experience program integrates architecture, design, and advanced technologies for lighting and sound to create a soothing atmosphere for MRI scans. Specifically, Philips offers the Ambient Experience in-bore Connect, which projects calming videos inside the MRI bore to instruct and comfort patients. Children can choose a theme that plays in the room prior to the scan and continues during the procedure. In March 2021, Philips partnered with The Walt Disney Company to evaluate the impact of custom animations, including specially crafted Disney stories, within the Philips Ambient Experience. Some of the Disney stories featured characters like Mickey Mouse, Ariel, Marvel's Avengers, and Star Wars' Yoda. This clinical research initiative was launched in six European hospitals, with results from the pilot project available by the end of 2021. The primary aim of this program was to reduce anxiety in children and enhance the efficiency of staff conducting MRI scans in these facilities.

Thus, the adoption of such innovative technologies and play-based simulators designed to help children acclimate to MRI procedures is expected to significantly propel the growth of the pediatric MRI market in the coming years.

The global pediatric MRI market is categorized based on type, application, product type, age group, and end user. In terms of type, the market is divided into functional brain MRI (fMRI), cardiac MRI, 4D MRI, and others. The functional brain MRI (fMRI) segment accounted for the largest share of the pediatric MRI market in 2022, while the 4D MRI segment is projected to exhibit the highest CAGR from 2022 to 2028. By application, the market is segmented into cardiology, orthopedics, neurology, oncology, and others. The neurology segment held the largest market share in 2022 and is expected to maintain the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Regarding product type, the pediatric MRI market is divided into equipment and coil design, with the equipment segment holding the largest share in 2022 and anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR from 2022 to 2028. The age group segmentation includes fetal stage, neonatal stage (0-27 days), infant and toddler (28 days to 23 months), child (2-11 years), and adolescent (12-18 years). The adolescent segment represented the largest market share in 2022, although the child segment is expected to achieve the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Lastly, the end user segmentation includes hospitals, pediatric clinics, diagnostic centers, and others, with hospitals holding the largest share in 2022 and projected to grow at the highest CAGR in the coming years.

Key organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund have been referenced as primary and secondary sources in the preparation of the pediatric MRI market report.