Ophthalmomyiasis interna posterior. Subretinal tracks and intraocular larvae

Abstract

Only seven cases of identifiable intraocular botfly larva infestation have been reported in North America--five since 1969. Two additional cases, both from the same institution, are documented here. The offending maggot or larva was visible in both instances. The findings in each case were diagnostically and morphologically striking. The characteristic funduscopic finding of subretinal tracks, along with the appearance of the larva--encysted in one patient and free-floating in the other-deserves emphasis, since this condition is not always benign and may not be as rare as previously assumed.