Emerging imaging techniques such as artery calcium scoring, electron beam computed tomography (EBT), and contrast-enhanced MRI and ultrasound are driving the cardiovascular in vivo diagnostics market to stronger growth than in general radiology, according to research firm Kalorama Information.
In vivo cardiac testing will grow 70% over the next five years, according to a report released Tuesday by the New York City-based firm. Due in part to increased interest in early assessment of cardiovascular disease, Kalorama is projecting the number of cardiac in vivo tests performed to increase across the board, with 7 of 11 modalities experiencing double-digit growth. Kalorama expects EBT, for example, to increase at a 60% annual rate through 2005.
EBT, MRI, CT, ultrasound, stress ultrasound, and remote heart-rate monitors are expected to displace more expensive, invasive procedures such as nuclear stress tests, x-ray angiography, and nuclear perfusion tests, according to the firm. Electrocardiograms and Holter monitors, will retain their importance, however, as a first-pass screening tool for cardiovascular disease, according to the company.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
September 19, 2001
Copyright © 2001 AuntMinnie.com
![Axial images from unenhanced calcium score cardiac CT (left) and curved planar reformation images from CT angiography (right) show that higher long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with greater coronary artery calcium and more obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Top row: Images in a 68-year-old male patient with higher 10-year mean ambient air pollution exposure (7.9 μg/m3 for particulate matter measuring ≤2.5 μm in diameter [PM2.5] and 17.4 parts per billion [ppb] for NO2) with extensive CAD (coronary artery calcium score [CACS] >1,000 and obstructive CAD [≥70% diameter stenosis]). Bottom row: Images in a 57-year-old female patient with lower 10-year mean ambient air pollution exposure (6.3 μg/m3 for PM2.5 and 4.6 ppb for NO2) with no CAD (CACS = 0 and no obstructive stenosis).](https://img.auntminnie.com/mindful/smg/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/06/hanneman.r6SMLzkezo.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=2&fit=crop&h=167&q=70&w=250)
