The data presented in the infographics illustrate several glaring inadequacies of CT, MRI, x-ray angiography, and molecular imaging technologies still in use across the continent. Approximately 20% of all imaging equipment is now more than 10 years old, including roughly 2,900 CT units, 2,100 MRI units, 1,800 x-ray angiography units, and 220 molecular imaging units, according to COCIR.

COCIR has released four new infographics stressing the need to address obsolescent medical imaging equipment, including this one concerning CT.

Over the last 10 years, the number of European countries that meet COCIR's standards for medical imaging equipment has not significantly improved and has actually worsened for CT and MRI, COCIR Secretary General Nicole Denjoy noted.

"We encourage national and regional governments and [European Union] policymakers to demonstrate support for replacing obsolete equipment and bring the benefits of the latest advances to all EU citizens," she said.

The committee plans to publish a more in-depth overview of these data in the coming weeks.