Phenotypic heterogeneity of an adult form of adrenoleukodystrophy in monozygotic twins

Ann Neurol. 1994 Dec;36(6):912-5. doi: 10.1002/ana.410360617.

Abstract

We describe genetically proven monozygotic twins with the adult form of adrenoleukodystrophy with significant phenotypic heterogeneity. Myeloneuropathy was common to both patients, but cognitive impairment and affective symptoms with extensive demyelination in the brain were prominent in the older twin, while adrenal insufficiency was predominant in the younger twin. The younger twin, however, exhibited affective symptoms similar to those displayed by his elder twin 10 years later. These findings suggest that nongenetic factors are important in determining the phenotypic variation of adrenoleukodystrophy gene.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenoleukodystrophy / genetics*
  • Adrenoleukodystrophy / pathology
  • Adult
  • Brain / pathology
  • Diseases in Twins / genetics*
  • Genetic Heterogeneity*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Pedigree
  • Phenotype
  • Twins, Monozygotic / genetics*