Carcinoma presenting as intrarenal haematoma, either spontaneously or after minor trauma.

When minor injury results in renal haematoma, evaluation must exclude an underlying malignant condition. Three cases and their diagnostic problems are presented. The value and limitations of ultrasonography, arteriography, percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy and CT-scan are discussed.

[Compulsory commitment of psychiatric patients from the viewpoint of physicians and judges--exemplified by the use of the psychiatric law of North Rhine and Westphalia]. / Die Problematik der zwangsweisen Unterbringung psychisch Kranker aus der Sicht von Arzten und Richtern--Beispiel der Anwendung des PsychKG Nordrhein-Westfalen.

For several years now a working team of judges and physicians has been tackling the questions involved in the compulsory hospitalisation of mentally diseased patients. In the course of this teamwork the deficiencies and drawbacks of hospitalisation legislation have become glaringly evident. The problems of hospitalisation by law and under the legislation practised by Guardianship Courts, are compared by juxtaposition. It will be necessary to employ the principles of family law if the principle of care and need of treatment should receive priority over that of the potential danger to society (which dominates present hospitalisation legislation). However, before any adequate measures can be taken, it will be absolutely necessary to effect essential changes in the "law on care and protection of mentally ill patients" that has been in force in North Rhine Westphalia since the end of 1969. It will also be necessary to change the practices observed in enforcing this law.

[Research in psychiatric clinics and departments]. / Forschung an psychiatrischen Kliniken und Abteilungen.

The purpose of this article is to stimulate a discussion on the present-day contribution made by research in non-university psychiatric hospitals and its possible achievements if these hospitals were better equipped with funds. The senior physicians of such hospitals and of the Departments of Psychiatry of General Hospitals were asked in writing to find out present research activities. The following topics represented focal points of research: Evaluation of psychiatric care structures, Therapy, Psychiatry and legislation, Personnel, Family members, self-help, non-professionals. The article goes into detail in selected cases in respect of research foci and methods. Pointers are given to problems requiring further research with regard to psychiatric care structures.