Objective To study the value of MR three-dimensional volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination(3D-VIBE)and conventional MR imaging (including MRCP) in diagnosing cholangiocarcinoma early and evaluating the respectability of cholangiocarcinoma. Methods 20 patients with malignant obstruction of bile duct were scaned by conventional MR imaging(including MRCP) and dynamic-enhanced 3D-VIBE triple-phase acquisitions. MR imaging features of the tumors were analysed and the re-spectability of cholangiocarcinoma was also evaluated. The differences between conventional MR imaging and 3D-VIBE in displaying the tumors and the infiltration extent of the tumors were compared. Results The sensitivity ratio in showing the tumors were 85 and 95% with conventional MR imaging and 3D-VIBE, respectively, and there was statistically significant difference between two sequences in displaying infiltration of adjacent organs by the tumors(P<0.05). Conclusion 3D-VIBE is superior to conventional MR imaging in the early diagnosis,preoperative assessment of the infiltration extent and the tumor respectability of cholangiocarcino-ma.