Ultrasound Detection of Human Botfly Myiasis of the Scalp: A Case Report

Abstract

Dermatobia hominis, also known as the human botfly, is an insect native to Central and South America that is known to parasitize both human and animal hosts through cutaneous infestation by its developing larvae. While human botfly myiasis has been commonly diagnosed through dermatologic findings, the presenting lesions and associated symptoms can be non-specific and often misconstrued as other more common cutaneous diagnoses. Here, we present a case of botfly myiasis of the scalp in which ultrasound was utilized to visualize the larvae and confirm the diagnosis prior to larval removal. In this report, we discuss our patient's presentation, ultrasound imaging, and clinical course/treatment in order to convey how ultrasound imaging, when available, is a valuable tool in establishing the diagnosis of human botfly myiasis.