[Adrenoleukodystrophy in a pair of siblings]

The diagnosis of adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) in two brothers was confirmed by the analysis of long-chain fatty acids in cultured skin fibroblasts. The 23 year old brother was treated for Addison's disease at the age of 7 years. His first symptoms of ALD developed at the age of 22. These were lack of concentration and compulsive disorder. The younger brother was noted to show behavioural changes and a decreased performance at school at age 9. The disease then progressed rapidly. Variability and diagnostic procedures are discussed in this report.