50th anniversary of computed tomography: past and future applications in clinical neuroscience

Revolutionizing pediatric neuroimaging: the era of CT, MRI, and beyond

PURPOSE

To review the evolution of cross-sectional imaging in pediatric neuroradiology from early developments to current advancements and future directions.

METHODS

Information was obtained through a PubMed literature search as well as referenced online resources and personal experience from radiologists currently practicing pediatric neuroimaging and those who experienced the era of nascent cross-sectional imaging.

RESULTS

The advent of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the 1970s and 1980s brought about a revolutionary shift in the field of medical imaging, neurosurgical and neurological diagnosis. These cross-sectional imaging techniques ushered in a new era by enabling the visualization of soft tissue structures within the brain and spine. Advancements in these imaging modalities have continued at a remarkable pace, now providing not only high high-resolution and 3-dimensional anatomical imaging, but also functional assessment. With each stride forward, CT and MRI have provided clinicians with invaluable insights, improving the accuracy and precision of diagnoses, facilitating the identification of optimal surgical targets, and guiding the selection of appropriate treatment strategies.

CONCLUSION

This article traces the origins and early developments of CT and MRI, chronicling their journey from pioneering technologies to their current indispensable status in clinical applications and exciting possibilities that lie ahead in the realm of medical imaging and neurologic diagnosis.

Special Section Guest Editorial: Computed tomography (CT) at 50 years

Guest editors Patrick La Riviere, Rebecca Fahrig, and Norbert Pelc introduce the JMI Special Section Celebrating X-Ray Computed Tomography at 50.

How CT happened: the early development of medical computed tomography

As we arrive at the 50th anniversary of the first computed tomography (CT) scan of a live patient, we take this opportunity to revisit the history of early CT development. It is not an exaggeration to say that the invention of CT may represent the greatest revolution in medical imaging since the discovery of x-rays. We cover events over a period of about two decades that started with the realization that accurate cross-sectional soft-tissue detail is possible and could be a significant advance. We describe in some detail the development of the first CT system and then the rapid technical advances during the following years that included the entry of many companies into the field and the circumstances that led many of those entrants to exit the field. Rather than focusing on the specific technical details (which can be found elsewhere), we include stories and events in the hope that broader lessons can be learned. As the first x-ray-based digital imaging modality, CT brought into common use an exceptional tool that benefits countless patients every day. It also introduced dramatic changes to biomedical imaging as a field that continues to influence progress to this day.