The relevance of imaging diagnosis in nasal myiasis mimicking a toothache
- Author:
Thamires MAZZOLA
1
;
Geanny Kassia Ferreira URZÊDA
;
Talita Sarah MAZZONI
;
Marcos José MARQUES
;
Hugo GAÊTA-ARAUJO
;
Marta MIYAZAWA
;
Leonardo Amaral dos REIS
;
João Adolfo Costa HANEMANN
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:Imaging Science in Dentistry 2025;55(1):90-95
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Nasal myiasis is an infestation by dipterous larvae within the nasal cavity, where they feed on both living tissue andfluid. This condition predominantly occurs in rural areas of tropical countries, where inadequate sanitation and ahot, humid climate create an ideal environment for larvae development. A 57-year-old, otherwise healthy male ruralworker presented with a toothache in the region of the maxillary incisors. Imaging studies identified a punctiformradiopaque/hyperdense area near the nasal septum in the left nasal fossa. The larva was surgically excised andsent for histopathological analysis. Histologic sections confirmed the clinical diagnosis, and the patient remainedasymptomatic after a 2-month follow-up. Nasal myiasis can mimic the symptoms of a toothache in the anterior region of the maxilla. This condition can affect even immunocompetent patients, and complementary imaging studies may be decisive in diagnosing it.
