Report

Global contrast enhanced ultrasound market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.87% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 2.29 billion in 2024 to USD 3.62 billion in 2032. The market's growth is bolstered by the increasing requirement for ultrasound procedures, rising accessibility of affordable contrast agents, and growing focus on integrating contrast imaging modes with ultrasound technologies. Additionally, the expansion of the aging population is also driving the market's growth. The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 6 people across the world will be 60 or older by 2030.
As the global geriatric population increases, the number of age-related chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, cancers, and liver diseases, all of which require frequent and advanced diagnostic imaging, is also expected to rise. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is particularly well-suited for elderly patients due to its non-invasive nature and lack of involvement in ionizing radiation. Additionally, the technology is safer for those with renal impairment compared to CT or MRI, which use nephrotoxic contrast agents. Healthcare professionals across the globe are also increasingly utilizing contrast-enhanced ultrasound for the management of chronic diseases and disorders and ensuring their early detection.
Increasing Prevalence of Kidney Diseases Boosts Market Demand
The rising prevalence of kidney diseases in various regions across the globe is one of the major drivers of the market. According to estimates from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, chronic kidney disease affects over 1 in 7 adults in the United States. This growth is augmenting the requirement for contrast-enhanced ultrasound due to its relatively safe, non-invasive, and effective nature. Additionally, it provides cost-effective, real-time, high-resolution imaging, enabling frequent monitoring and ensuring early detection of kidney diseases and their progression or complications. Moreover, technology is also valuable for patients who cannot undergo repeated biopsies and invasive procedures, providing a reliable alternative for longitudinal disease assessment.
Rising Initiatives to Boost Awareness About Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound
Increasing initiatives to boost awareness about contrast-enhanced ultrasound across the globe are significantly driving the growth of the market by promoting its clinical benefits, safety profile, and expanding applications. Internationally recognized organizations, such as the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and the International Contrast Ultrasound Society, are focusing on launching educational campaigns, developing clinical guidelines, and engaging with regulatory bodies to address misconceptions and regulatory barriers while boosting awareness about the various advantages associated with the technology, thereby increasing acceptance among patients and clinicians.
For instance, in April 2024, the Northwest Imaging Forums and the International Contrast Ultrasound Society announced an educational partnership to train sonographers to administer intravenous contrast agents and perform contrast-enhanced ultrasound examinations. As more patients and medical professionals become informed about the diagnostic accuracy, safety, and cost-effectiveness associated with contrast-enhanced ultrasound, the demand for these systems and contrast agents is expected to increase. Such initiatives are also expanding the role of contrast-enhanced ultrasounds in modern diagnostics, driving the growth of the market by ensuring broader clinical utilization and acceptance of technology.
Hospitals and Surgical Centers Account for Significant Share of the Market
Hospitals and surgical centers account for a significant share of the contrast-enhanced ultrasound market as these facilities are equipped with skilled personnel and advanced imaging solutions, which are essential for detailed visualization and real-time analysis of tissue perfusion, blood flow, and organ functioning for accurate diagnosis and surgical planning. Hospitals receive a large number of patients suffering from chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, liver diseases, and cancers, that directly benefit from the diagnostic precision provided by contrast-enhanced ultrasound.
The contrast-enhanced ultrasound is also increasingly being used in surgical centers, including ambulatory surgical centers, for intraoperative guidance and minimally invasive procedures, thus bolstering their adoption. Moreover, hospitals and surgical centers often act as referral centers for complex cases and ensure the availability of advanced imaging technologies such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound, further accelerating the growth of the market.
Additionally, increasing investments in upgrading hospitals across the globe are bolstering the demand for advanced technologies such as contrast-enhanced ultrasounds. For instance, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) is investing USD 1.5 billion towards renovating and expanding its centerpiece Presbyterian Hospital tower, which will focus on cardiology, neurology, and transplants upon its completion. The hospital tower is expected to be completed in 2027.
North America Holds Major Share of the Market
The growth of the market in the region can be attributed to the strong presence of advanced healthcare infrastructure and medical device manufacturers, the availability of favorable reimbursement policies, and the rising requirements for point-of-care diagnostics. Moreover, the rise in the number of cases of chronic health conditions, including cancer, in countries such as Canada and the United States is also augmenting the demand for effective diagnostic tools such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound devices. As per the estimates of the Canadian Cancer Society, approximately 247,100 Canadians were expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2024. Rising regulatory approvals for new contrast agents and extensive training and educational programs have also facilitated widespread clinical adoption across the region. Meanwhile, favorable reimbursement policies and rising investments in advanced medical technologies make it easier for healthcare professionals to integrate contrast-enhanced ultrasound into routine practice, further supporting the market's expansion.
Impact of the U.S. Tariff on Global Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound Market
The trade tensions occurring due to the imposed tariffs can indirectly affect the contrast-enhanced ultrasound market. Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. estimates approximately USD 400 million in costs from tariffs that are already in place against aluminum and steel as well as China. The company also expects disruptions in the supply chain, resulting in a shortage of different medical technologies. To mitigate such challenges, the leading players in the market can focus on investing in strengthening their local manufacturing capabilities and diversifying their supply chains and enhancing resilience against trade-related disruptions.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The key players in the market are focusing on launching new products and technologies to ensure their expansion and provide advanced care for the patient population. For instance, in March 2023, Esaote S.P.A launched the MyLab X90 premium ultrasound system, which integrates augmented insights, including artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solutions with a multidisciplinary clinical approach. The system simplifies complex processes and makes advanced technologies more accessible in daily clinical practice while ensuring high-contrast resolution and clear imaging. Such launches aid in improving patient outcomes while allowing the key players in the market to strengthen their position in the market.