New treatment of free-radical scavenger in adrenoleukodystrophy.

What Is Known And Objective: Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is an X-linked disorder and characterized by the accumulation of saturated very long-chain fatty acids. Treatment is still unsatisfactory. Our objective is to report on the effect of the free-radical scavenger, edaravone, in a patient with ALD.

Case Summary: The patient was given edaravone intravenously twice. D-ROM in cerebral spinal fluid decreased dramatically, and a shortening of neuronal transmission time as estimated on somatosensory evoked potential was observed. After terminating the treatment, his symptoms progressively reappeared.

What Is New And Conclusion: This is the first report of the use of edaravone in ALD. The drug is apparently effective in improving symptoms of ALD and should be evaluated more formally.