Adrenoleukodystrophy: Heterogeneity in two brothers

Abstract

A man with hypoadrenalism died from a rapidly progressive pseudobulbar palsy, due to adult onset adrenoleukodystrophy. This diagnosis suggested that his brother, with a longstanding spastic paraparesis, suffered from adrenomyeloneuropathy. Both cases were confirmed biochemically. The heterogeneity of expression of this x-linked disorder is described, with the consequent difficulty in diagnosis and nomenclature.