In vivo localized1H-spectroscopy with spin echos and stimulated echos: A quantitative comparison

Stimulated echos (STE) are frequently used for localization inin vivo spectroscopy. However, in theory the signal is reduced by a factor of 2 compared to spin echos. We have compared the STEAM technique and a method utilizing a double spin echo (DSE) for localization. Projections and spectra of phantoms and the human brain have been measured with a 4 T whole body system. Both methods provide a reliable localization in one scan. The spectra obtained with both techniques are similar, with one significant exception: the DSE signal strength is stronger than that of STEAM by a factor of about 1.9. The advantages and disadvantages of both methods with respect to RF- power, gradient strength, and spectral editing will be discussed.