A case of X-Linked adrenoleukodystrophy caused by a novel mutation with singular clinical manifestation: unilateral lower limb weakness

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene, leading to the accumulation of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in plasma and tissues. It primarily affects the central nervous system white matter and the adrenal cortex. Clinical manifestations include myeloneuropathy, leukodystrophy, and adrenal insufficiency. Reliable methods for diagnosis include VLCFAs and genetic testing. We report the case of a 31-year-old male X-ALD patient who mainly presented with unilateral lower limb weakness. Adrenal insufficiency was not observed, and there was no evidence of peripheral nerve involvement in nerve conduction studies. MRI revealed only mild atrophy of thoracic spinal cord without other relevant abnormalities. Ultimately, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and VLCFAs testing confirmed the diagnosis of X-ALD, and the NGS indicated a novel missense mutation.