AbstractBreath‐hold MR cholangio‐pancreaticography using the RARE method was evaluated as a noninvasive alternative to direct cholangio‐pancreaticography in 30 healthy volunteers and in 30 patients with various diseases of the respective duct systems. In contrast to 3D MR cholangiography, RARE MRCP generates projection images requiring a 4‐s acquisition time and no postprocessing. Diagnostic information gained from the cholangio‐pancreaticograms was fully equivalent to that of conventional x‐ray imaging by invasive procedures. Additional information was gained whenever endoscopic access was impossible and/or cystic malformations w