Human botfly (Dermatobia hominis) larva in a child's scalp mimicking osteomyelitis

Furuncular myiasis caused by Dermatobia hominis is endemic throughout Central and South America. However, because of widespread travel, furuncular myiasis has become more common in North America. Misdiagnosis and mismanagement can occur owing to limited awareness of the condition outside endemic areas. We report a case of furuncular myiasis in an immigrant from El Salvador with magnetic resonance imaging findings. The case is unique because neuroimaging was obtained upon the clinical suspicion of calvarial osteomyelitis. Parasitic infestation should be included in the differential diagnosis of a new skin lesion in patients who have traveled to endemic areas.