Comparison of PRESS and STEAM in human brain single-volume ~(1)H-MRS examination

20 healthy adult volunteers aged from 24 to 51 experienced MRI and ~(1)H-MRS examinations. MRS acquisitions were performed in two modes: PRESS and STEAM. The voxels for both sequences were located in the same size and in the same place. The concentrations of metabolites NAA, Cr and Cho were calculated using water as an internal reference, and they were compared between the two sequences. For PRESS and STEAM, the concentrations (mmol/L) of NAA: 13.74±1.16 and 12.65±2.12, P>0.05; Cr: 7.50±0.56 and 9.28±1.44, P 0.05, respectively. The difference of Cr was mainly derived from the uncompleted water suppression and T1 saturation. PRESS and STEAM sequences in human brain single volume ~(1)H-MRS examination are well consistent with each other, but each has its own characters. The choice in the application can be made according to the demands of the examinations.