Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Long-term Lethal Toxicity Test with the Crustacean Artemia franciscana
Published on: April 14, 2012
[Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) toxic encephalopathy]
A Signaté1, S Olindo, N Chausson
1Service de neurologie, centre hospitalo-universitaire, BP 632, 97200 Fort-de-France, Martinique. asignate@orange.fr
Abstract:
Ingestion of star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) can induce severe intoxication in subjects with chronic renal failure. Oxalate plays a key role in the neurotoxicity of star fruit. We report the cases of two patients with unknown chronic renal insufficiency who developed severe encephalopathy after ingestion of star fruit. The two patients developed intractable hiccups, vomiting, impaired consciousness and status epilepticus. Diffusion-weighted MR imaging showed cortical and thalamic hyperintense lesions related to epileptic status. They improved after being submitted to continuous hemofiltration which constitutes the most effective treatment during the acute phase.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Toxicity: Risk factors
Drug Toxicity: Overview
Toxicity Testing in Animals
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
Drug toxicity: Idiosyncratic Reactions

