ObjectiveTo study the value of magnetic resonance multiple sequence examination in the diagnosis of biliary sludges. MethodsThe display rates of biliary sludges were obtained from 56 cases of biliary sludges between February 2011 and March 2013 examined with trans T1 weighted imaging (T1WI), T2 weighted imaging with fat suppression (T2WI-FS), true fast imaging with steady-state precession (True FISP), and MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) proved by operations or endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography. Then we carried out a statistical comparison study. ResultsThe display rate combined with trans T1WI, T2WI-FS, True FISP, and MRCP sequence was statistically higher than any other single sequence (P<0.005). Diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MRI for biliary sludges were 85.7%, 84.1% and 84.5%, respectively. ConclusionTo improve the display rate of biliary sludges on MRI, multiple sequences including trans T1WI, T2WI-FS, True FISP, and MRCP should be used.