In a method for reconstructing contrast levels from magnetic resonance (MR) acquisitions using a parallel acquisition (PAT) technique, MR raw data for at least two contrast levels are generated or acquired, the raw data includes reference lines. Reference line images are reconstructed from the reference lines of the MR raw data for at least two of the contrast levels. A histogram analysis is implemented on the basis of the reference line images. A PAT reconstruction of image representations of the different contrast levels is implemented, wherein the decision as to which reference lines are used for the PAT reconstruction being made on the basis of the histogram analysis.