MRI vs. CT Scan: How Many Are Performed Each Year? The Latest Statistics and Trends

MRICT
Written By Jeff Langmaid

MRI vs. CT Scan: How Many Are Performed Each Year? The Latest Statistics and Trends

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans are two of the most commonly used medical imaging techniques. Both play a critical role in diagnosing injuries, diseases, and internal conditions, but how often are they performed? How do their usage rates compare, and what are the trends shaping the future of medical imaging?

This guide breaks down the annual MRI and CT scan volumes in the U.S. and globally, along with cost comparisons, growth trends, and regional differences.

Annual MRI and CT Scan Volumes

MRI and CT scans are widely used across hospitals and imaging centers, with CT scans being more frequently performed due to their speed, availability, and cost-effectiveness.

Global MRI & CT Scan Statistics

Imaging Modality Estimated Annual Scans (Global)
CT Scans 375 - 450 million
MRI Scans 150 - 200 million


U.S. MRI & CT Scan Statistics

Imaging Modality Estimated Annual Scans (U.S.)
CT Scans ~85 - 90 million
MRI Scans ~40 million


Europe MRI & CT Scan Statistics

Imaging Modality Estimated Annual Scans (Europe)
CT Scans ~130 million
MRI Scans ~65 million


Growth Trends: MRI vs. CT Scan Usage Over Time

✔ CT scans have increased by 50% in the past decade due to their use in emergency settings and lung disease evaluation.

✔ MRI scans are steadily growing as more facilities access advanced MRI technology.

✔ The rise of AI in radiology is optimizing scan interpretations, reducing unnecessary scans, and improving diagnostic accuracy.

✔ Portable and low-dose CT scanners make imaging more accessible, particularly in developing countries.

✔ MRI demand is increasing in neurology and orthopedics, where soft tissue visualization is crucial.

Regional Differences in MRI vs. CT Usage

MRI and CT scan availability varies by country due to differences in healthcare infrastructure, insurance coverage, and technology investment.

✔ United States – One of the highest users of medical imaging, with a strong emphasis on early detection and diagnostics.

✔ Japan – Leads the world in MRI availability, with more MRI scanners per capita than any other country.

✔ Europe – CT scans are more widely used than MRIs, but MRI usage is steadily increasing, particularly in Germany and France.

✔ Developing Countries – Access to CT and MRI scans remains limited, but international health organizations are investing in expanding imaging services.

MRI Machines per Million People by Country

Country MRI Machines per Million People
Japan 55+
United States 40-50
Germany 30
France 25
UK 20

CT Machines per Million People by Country

Country CT Machines per Million People
Japan 115+
United States 42-45
Germany 35
France 30
UK 25

MRI vs. CT Scan: Cost Comparison

One major factor influencing scan frequency is cost. CT scans are generally more affordable and accessible than MRIs.

Imaging Modality Average Cost (U.S.) Average Cost (Europe)
CT Scan $500 - $3,000 €200 - €1,500
MRI Scan $1,000 - $6,000 €500 - €3,000

Why Are MRIs More Expensive?

✔ Longer scan time – MRI scans take 30-60 minutes, while CT scans typically take 5-10 minutes.

✔ Higher operational costs – MRI machines require liquid helium for cooling, increasing maintenance costs.

✔ More detailed imaging – MRI provides superior soft tissue contrast, making it ideal for brain, spinal cord, and joint imaging.

Which Scan Is Used More Often?

While both MRI and CT scans have specific advantages, CT scans are performed more frequently because they are:

✔ Faster and more widely available ✔ Better for emergencies (e.g., stroke, trauma, internal bleeding)

✔ More cost-effective

However, MRI is the preferred choice for:

✔ Soft tissue and neurological imaging

✔ Joint, spine, and brain evaluations

✔ Non-radiation-based imaging (safer for frequent use)

Future Trends in Medical Imaging

With technological advancements, the future of medical imaging is rapidly evolving:

✔ AI-assisted imaging – Improves accuracy and reduces the need for unnecessary scans.

✔ Low-dose CT technology – Reduces radiation exposure while maintaining high image quality.

✔ Portable MRI scanners – Expanding access to remote and underserved areas.

✔ Hybrid imaging (PET-CT and PET-MRI) – Combining metabolic and structural imaging for better diagnoses.

✔ Faster scan times – New MRI and CT machines cut imaging times in half.

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Both MRI and CT scans are essential tools in medical imaging. CT scans are performed more frequently due to speed and cost advantages, but MRI scans are invaluable for soft tissue evaluation and neurological imaging.

Understanding the latest trends in medical imaging can help patients make informed healthcare decisions.

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References:

  1. Global Annual CT Scans: Approximately 375 million CT scans are performed worldwide yearly, increasing by 3-4% annually. ​about.cmrad.com

  2. Global Annual MRI Scans: Approximately 100-150 million MRI scans are performed worldwide annually, with the United States accounting for nearly 40 million of these scans annually. ​about.cmrad.com

  3. MRI Machines per Million People by Country:

  4. Average Cost of MRI in Selected Countries (2017):

  5. MRI and CT Scan Usage in the United States: The United States performs more MRI and CT scans per capita compared to other countries, with 118 MRI scans and 245 CT scans per 1,000 people annually. ​

  6. Trends in Medical Imaging: Despite efforts to reduce imaging overuse, the rates of CT, MRI, and other scans have continued to increase in both the U.S. and Ontario, Canada. ​ucsf.edu

  7. Cost-Effectiveness of Imaging Modalities: Specialized MRI resulted in the highest quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and was the most cost-effective strategy compared with non-contrast head CT. ​ajronline.org

  8. Imaging Procedure Costs: The average costs of angiograms, abdominal CTs, and MRIs are higher in the United States than in other industrialized countries. ​mdedge.com

  9. Use of Diagnostic Imaging: Cross-sectional imaging nearly doubled over a decade, with CT imaging doubling and MRI imaging tripling. ​pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

  10. Medical Imaging Rates: The rates of use of CT, MRI, and other scans have continued to increase in both the U.S. and Ontario, Canada. ​ucsf.edu







Jeff Langmaid https://www.TheEvidenceBasedChiropractor.com
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