FeedbackLiquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
- Biochemical test to measure concentration of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) C22-C26, pristanic acid, and phytanic acid
- Initial test to screen for disorders of peroxisomal biogenesis and/or function, including X-ALD and Zellweger syndrome
- Confirmatory test for abnormal newborn screening suggestive of X-ALD
Massively Parallel Sequencing
- Testing for a known familial sequence variant by sequencing gene of interest. A copy of the family member’s test result documenting the familial gene variant is REQUIRED.
- To determine if the variant(s) of interest are detectable by this assay, contact an ARUP genetic counselor at 800-242-2787.
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a rare X-linked metabolic disorder caused by variants in the ABCD1 gene that cause a deficiency in adrenoleukodystrophy protein (ALDP) and subsequent accumulation of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs). VLCFA accumulation occurs in plasma and all tissue types, but primarily affects the adrenal cortex and white matter of the brain and spinal cord, resulting in a range of clinical outcomes.
Adrenal insufficiency may be the initial presentation of X-ALD, and 21-hydroxylase antibody testing may confirm or exclude an autoimmune etiology. In X-ALD, 21-hydroxylase antibody testing results will be normal; therefore, males with adrenal insufficiency and normal 21-hydroxylase antibody testing should be tested for X-ALD (VLCFA profile).
Testing Strategy
Diagnostic Testing
- VLCFA and branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA) profile is the first-line test for an individual with suspected X-ALD or adrenomyeloneuropathy
- Molecular testing (ABCD1) is recommended for diagnostic confirmation in individuals with clinical and/or biochemical presentation of X-ALD
Disease Overview
Incidence
Genetics
Gene
ABCD1
Structure
Inheritance
X-linked
Penetrance
Neurologic symptoms are present in nearly 100% of males by adulthood.
Variants
- Most are specific to a particular family (“private variants”)
- ~4-19% of individuals with X-ALD have a de novo variant
For more information on the disease including testing strategy, disease overview, and genetics, visit the X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy topic in ARUP Consult.
Test Interpretation
Biochemical testing (VLCFAs and BCFAs)
References
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Huffnagel IC, Dijkgraaf MGW, Janssens GE, et al. Disease progression in women with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy is slow. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2019;14(1):30.
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22483867
Kemp S, Berger J, Aubourg P. X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy: clinical, metabolic, genetic and pathophysiological aspects. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2012;1822(9):1465-1474.
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25999754
Wiesinger C, Eichler FS, Berger J. The genetic landscape of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy: inheritance, mutations, modifier genes, and diagnosis. Appl Clin Genet. 2015;8:109-121.
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Bornstein SR, Allolio B, Arlt W, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of primary adrenal insufficiency: an endocrine society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(2):364-389.
GeneReviews - X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy
Raymond GV, Moser AB, Fatemi A. X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. In: Adam MP, Ardinger HH, Pagon RA, et al, eds. GeneReviews, University of Washington; 1993-2021. [Last update: Feb 2018; Accessed: Jun 2020]
See Testing Strategy