Table 1.

Suggestive Findings in Males and Females with Symptomatic X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy

SexAge
(years)
Presenting Phenotype (Frequency of Persons Presenting w/Phenotype)ClinicalBrain MRI
Male Typically 4-8 yrs (peak 7 yrs); rarely before 3 yrsChildhood CALD (30%-35% of males)Progressive behavioral, cognitive, & neurologic deficitsSymmetric T2-weighted hyperintensity, typically involving splenium of corpus callosum; active disease will have contrast enhancement.
11-21 yrsAdolescent CALD (~5% of males)Similar to cCALD
>21 yrsAdult CALD (~20% of males)Dementia, behavioral disturbances, & focal neurologic deficitsSimilar to cCALD
20s & 30sAMN (40%-45% of males)
Note: ~70% have impaired adrenocortical function at onset of neurologic findings.
Leg weakness, spasticity, clumsy gait, pain, bladder & bowel dysfunctionBrain & spinal cord neuroimaging are normal.
2 yrs to adulthood (most commonly by 7.5 yrs)Primary adrenocortical insufficiency only (~10% of males)Primary adrenocortical insufficiency w/o apparent neurologic involvement
Female AdulthoodAMN (~50% age >40 yrs; ~ 65% by age 65 yrs)Primary adrenocortical insufficiency is rare & does not precede AMN (as is seen in males).Normal except in rare exceptions

AMN = adrenomyeloneuropathy; CALD = cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy; cCALD = childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy

From: X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy

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