SummaryThe measurement of scrum-fibrin-degradationproducts (FDP) may be of value in diagnosing pulmonary embolism. However one has to taken into account that the increase of serum-FDP is only transient. The measurement of the serumFDP level is less useful in the detection of deep vein thrombosis. Elevated levels during the acute phase of myocardial infarction may have a prognostic value.