Litchi (lychee) encephalopathy

Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .

Litchi (lychee) encephalopathy. This results from hypoglycin A or methylenecyclopropylglycine (MCPG) toxicity. Fully referenced neurology checklist.

Metabolic features

  • This results from hypoglycin A or methylenecyclopropylglycine (MCPG) toxicity
  • This causes impaired gluconeogenesis and β-oxidation of fatty acids
  • This results in hypoglycaemia and metabolic derangement
  • It is a form of hypoglycaemic encephalopathy

Demographic features

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Clinical features

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Risk factors

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Synonyms

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References

  1. Shrivastava A, Kumar A, Thomas JD, et al. Association of acute toxic encephalopathy with litchi consumption in an outbreak in Muzaffarpur, India, 2014: a case-control study. Lancet Glob Health 2017; 5:e458-e466. 
  2. Spencer PS, Palmer VS. The enigma of litchi toxicity: an emerging health concern in southern Asia. Lancet Glob Health 2017; 5:e383-e384.
  3. Shrivastava A, Srikantiah P, Kumar A, et al; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Outbreaks of unexplained neurologic illness - Muzaffarpur, India, 2013-2014. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2015; 64:49-53.

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