# Use of Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Travel-Acquired Cutaneous Myiasis in a Pediatric Patient

## TL;DR

Ultrasound helped diagnose a rare skin condition in a child who had traveled to a tropical region, avoiding misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments.

## Contribution

Demonstrates the utility of ultrasound in diagnosing cutaneous myiasis, a rare tropical disease, in a pediatric patient.

## Key findings

- Ultrasound imaging confirmed the presence of subcutaneous larvae in a pediatric patient.
- The diagnostic use of ultrasound helped avoid misdiagnosis of a more common dermatological condition.
- Early ultrasound use can improve diagnosis and treatment in cases of rare tropical skin diseases.

## Abstract

A pediatric patient presented to the emergency department with ambiguous scalp lesions following recent travel to a tropical region. Despite a prompt physical examination and subsequent laboratory investigations, a definitive diagnosis could not be established. An experienced ultrasound radiologist from our team was consulted to assist in the diagnostic process using ultrasound imaging. The ultrasound revealed the presence of subcutaneous larvae, confirming a diagnosis of cutaneous myiasis, which had initially mimicked a more common dermatological condition. This case highlights the valuable role that ultrasound can play in elucidating rare skin lesions, particularly in regions where clinicians may lack experience with tropical diseases due to their infrequent presentation. Early use of ultrasound in similar cases may expedite diagnosis and treatment, improving patient outcomes and reducing unnecessary interventions.