The CT Scan after 50 Years

Abstract

To the Editor: Howell’s Perspective article (July 8 issue)¹ did not mention the crucial pioneering contributions to computed tomographic (CT) scanning made by William H. Oldendorf,² a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the first neurologist elected to the National Academy of Sciences.³ As a physician who performed pneumoencephalograms and carotid puncture angiography, Oldendorf searched for a more direct and humane way to image the brain. He was awarded the first patent for CT and produced the first known prototype apparatus in 1961,⁴ creating an image of an aluminum nail (“the tumor”) surrounded by iron nails . . .