The underlying aetiology of AD was autoimmune in 90 (65%), tuberculosis in 10 (7%), X-linked adrenal hypoplasia in 8 (6%), adrenoleukodystrophy in 5 (4%), ACTH resistance in 2 (1%) and 24 (17%) were considered idiopathic. This evidence concerns the gene POMC and X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.