Magnetic ‘X-Ray’ Center Opens at UCSD

A new diagnostic institute whose technique is more effective than X-rays in looking for numerous diseases was dedicated Wednesday at the UC San Diego Medical Center.

The Magnetic Resonance Institute uses a large magnet to energize hydrogen nuclei in body tissue. The nuclei send off radio signals that are transformed by a computer onto a two-dimensional screen. The images are then manipulated to view inside the human body in any plane. The imaging allows pinpointing of lesions or tumors much earlier in their development than is possible through X-ray techniques.

The procedure involves no dyes or radioactive agents and there are no known side effects from its use.

The new institute is a joint venture between the University of California and a subsidiary of American Medical International.