Visual loss as first clinical manifestation of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy

Maria Angélica Tosi Ferreira, João Francisco de Oliveira Gonzales, Elisa Pacheco Estima Correia, Rosana Cardoso Manique Rosa, Paulo Ricardo Gazzola Zen, Rafael Fabiano Machado Rosa
2019 Revista Brasileira de Oftalmologia  
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) represents a group of diseases characterized by the accumulation of very long chain fattyacids (VLCFAs) in the tissues. Its clinical manifestations are usually manifold. Visual changes may be present, but they often appear later in the disease. We describe here the case of a 9-year-old boy with X-ALD, whose first symptom was visual loss, which began at 8 years of age. His ophthalmologic evaluation revealed no alterations. Shortly thereafter, he suffered a
more » ... ad injury. The magnetic resonance imaging of brain revealed findings that led to the suspicion of X-ALD. The plasma VLCFA dosage confirmed this diagnosis. This report aims toshow that in cases of visual loss with a normal ophthalmic examination, a high index of suspicion should be given for conditions suchas X-ALD, since it affects the cortical routes related to vision. Fundoscopy findings appear late in X-ALD.
doi:10.5935/0034-7280.20190170 doaj:bc676d86746646c9ab162d5ee66f423d fatcat:2rmk7mvpy5eufpuwx6j4e7h5zi