Myiasis Associated with Frostbite-Induced Tissue Necrosis: A Case Report Highlighting Diagnostic Consideration during Postmortem Inspection
10.7580/kjlm.2026.50.1.26
- Author:
Tae Mo KANG
1
;
Kyungmin LEE
;
Wooyoung JANG
;
Geom Su PARK
;
Young CHO
;
Kwang Soo KO
;
Jinhyuk CHOI
;
Seong Hwan PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Legal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:Korean Journal of Legal Medicine
2026;50(1):26-30
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Myiasis, a parasitic infestation caused by dipteran larvae in living humans or animals, is rarely encountered postmortem. Here, we report a case of myiasis identified during postmortem inspection in a 40-year-old man with a 10-year history of untreated schizophrenia. During the winter between late 2022 and early 2023, the decedent walked outdoors barefoot and sustained frostbite and was advised to undergo limb amputation at a university hospital in March 2024. He died at home in late May 2024. At the scene, the body showed displaceable livor mortis and absence of rigor mortis, suggesting a short postmortem interval. Severe necrosis was present below the knees, and numerous third-instar larvae without postfeeding stage were observed within the necrotic tissue, suggesting myiasis development at the frostbite sites. Species identification via larval sampling was not possible; thus, photographic analysis was attempted. The larva at the most advanced developmental stage was most likely a third-instar Lucilia sericata, the most common species causing myiasis in Korea. Assuming a skin temperature of 34°C under blanket coverage, the estimated post-oviposition interval ranged from 38.9–71.7 hours. Considering the estimated postmortem interval, the oviposition may have occurred antemortem. Since myiasis can indicate neglect or contribute to death, forensic pathologist should assess whether the postmortem interval aligns with the developmental stage of the larvae. For accurate forensic entomological analysis, adequate sampling of larvae is essential during postmortem inspections.
