Diagnostic dilemma: A knife broke off in a man's chest, and he didn't notice it for 8 years

An x-ray image of a knife lodged in a man's chest.

The patient: A 44-year-old man in Tanzania

The symptoms: For 10 days, pus oozed from an opening in the man's chest below his right nipple, prompting him to visit the emergency room. He told doctors he had no pain or difficulty breathing. He did not have a fever, and his vital signs were normal.