Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI) for ectopic pregnancy. Methods Two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound, color Doppler flow image (CDFI) and TUI were performed in 40 patients suspected of ectopic pregnancy, and diagnosis was made according to ultrasonic imaging. All patients were followed up, and the pathological findings were obtained from those undergoing operation. The diagnostic results of three ultrasonic techniques were compared with those of follow-up and pathological findings. Results There was no significant difference in the accuracy of diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy between 2D ultrasound (75%) and CDFI (80%)(P>0.05), and the accuracy of diagnosis of TUI (95%) was significantly different from those of 2D ultrasound and CDFI (P<0.05). Conclusion TUI can provide multiple plane and multiple section ultrasound imaging information and more evidences for diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. TUI, combined with 2D ultrasound, CDFI and clinical manifestations, is an effective method for early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.