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

Purpose: It has been 50 years since computed tomography was introduced to the worldwide neurologic medical and surgical community. In that time, tremendous advances in computer software and hardware, as well as creative changes in computerized tomographic (CT) hardware and tube technology, have dramatically improved the temporal and spatial resolution of CT. In this paper, I address what I feel are some of the most important impacts of CT in the field of clinical neuroscience over the last 50 years, as well as potential applications of CT that are on the horizon. Approach: I have recounted from literature, colleagues, and personal recollection the historical impact of CT on neuroradiology practice and what appear to be near-term future applications. Conclusions: Therapeutic applications beyond diagnosis, such as image-guided procedures, radiation, and surgical planning, and development of the field of theranostics have emerged and further increased the need for faster and more precise CT imaging. The integration of machine learning into the acquisition chain and radiologist tool kit has great implications for standardization, analysis, and diagnosis worldwide.