MRI surveillance of boys with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy identified by newborn screening: Meta-analysis and consensus guidelines

Eric J. Mallack, Bela R. Turk, Helena Yan, Carrie Price, Michelle Demetres, Ann B. Moser, Catherine Becker, Kim Hollandsworth, Laura Adang, Adeline Vanderver, Keith Van Haren, Maura Ruzhnikov, Joanne Kurtzberg, Gustavo Maegawa, Paul J. Orchard, Troy C. Lund, Gerald V. Raymond, Molly Regelmann, Joseph J. Orsini, Elisa SeegerStephan Kemp, Florian Eichler, Ali Fatemi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Among boys with X-Linked adrenoleukodystrophy, a subset will develop childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CCALD). CCALD is typically lethal without hematopoietic stem cell transplant before or soon after symptom onset. We sought to establish evidence-based guidelines detailing the neuroimaging surveillance of boys with neurologically asymptomatic adrenoleukodystrophy. Methods: To establish the most frequent age and diagnostic neuroimaging modality for CCALD, we completed a meta-analysis of relevant studies published between January 1, 1970 and September 10, 2019. We used the consensus development conference method to incorporate the resulting data into guidelines to inform the timing and techniques for neuroimaging surveillance. Final guideline agreement was defined as >80% consensus. Results: One hundred twenty-three studies met inclusion criteria yielding 1285 patients. The overall mean age of CCALD diagnosis is 7.91 years old. The median age of CCALD diagnosis calculated from individual patient data is 7.0 years old (IQR: 6.0-9.5, n = 349). Ninety percent of patients were diagnosed between 3 and 12. Conventional MRI was most frequently reported, comprised most often of T2-weighted and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MRI. The expert panel achieved 95.7% consensus on the following surveillance parameters: (a) Obtain an MRI between 12 and 18 months old. (b) Obtain a second MRI 1 year after baseline. (c) Between 3 and 12 years old, obtain a contrast-enhanced MRI every 6 months. (d) After 12 years, obtain an annual MRI. Conclusion: Boys with adrenoleukodystrophy identified early in life should be monitored with serial brain MRIs during the period of highest risk for conversion to CCALD.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)728-739
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Inherited Metabolic Disease
Volume44
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2021

Keywords

  • MRI
  • adrenoleukodystrophy
  • cerebral
  • childhood
  • imaging
  • newborn screening
  • surveillance

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Genetics
  • Genetics(clinical)

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