Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is an X-linked recessive transmission disease. Central nervous system signs and symptoms have been consistently more prominent than signs of adrenal involvement. Behavioral changes are the most common initial finding and range from aggressive outbursts to withdrawal. Such behavior is generally accompanied by a gradually failing memory and poor school performance. Loss of vision is an early finding in some patients and is a prominent feature at some stage in most affected individuals. The initial visual loss appears as homonomous hemianopsia in some individuals and is usually associated with intact pupillary reflexes. Optic atrophy is less common as an initial finding but eventually develops in almost all cases. Gait disturbance is also an early finding and as is stiff-legged, unsteady and accompanied by hyperreflexia. In almost all cases there is spastic quadraplegia and a variable degree of decorticate posturing. Hearing loss, dysarthria and dysphagia develop at about the same time as gait disturbance. Seizures are a typical symptom in many affected individuals in the the end stages of the disease progression.

Adrenoleukodystrophy, X-Linked References

Beta Oxidation of Very Long Chain Fatty Acids References