Why was adrenoleukodystrophy given its name?

The name "adrenoleukodystrophy" was derived from the following observations in affected individuals:

- Adrenal refers to the involvement of the adrenal glands, which are often atrophic in this disorder.

- Leuko refers to the white matter of the brain, which is the primary site of involvement in the neurological form of the disease.

- Dystrophy refers to the abnormal or degenerative changes that occur in the affected tissues.

Hence, the term "adrenoleukodystrophy" accurately describes the key features of this genetic condition characterized by the dysfunction and degeneration of the adrenal glands and the white matter of the brain.