Rhinomyiasis: clinical and surgical management

Abstract

Myiasis by Oestrus ovis, the zoonotic infestation with Diptera larvae, primarily diagnosed in goats and rams in tropical and Mediterranean countries, is an uncommon disease in humans; indeed, literature data are still lacking. Nevertheless, few cases of human myiasis have been reported, leading to benign or severe complications. Here, we report a rare case of human rhinomyiasis detected in Northern Italy. A 39-year-old Italian woman, returning from vacation in Corsica, showed several sinusal symptoms and progressive asthenia and was therefore admitted at the Otorhinolaryngology Unit of Biella Hospital, Italy. Endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity revealed some formations, morphologically identified as O. ovis larvae. The patient then underwent endoscopic sinus surgery, followed by complete resolution of symptoms. Clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up and therapeutic procedures have been compared with few other cases found in the literature.