Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (Sulfatide Lipidosis) By Matt Demczko, MD, Mitochondrial Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Reviewed / Revised Oct 2021 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education More Information Metachromatic leukodystrophy is a sphingolipidosis, an inherited disorder of metabolism, caused by arylsulfatase A deficiency. There are several forms, the most severe of which causes progressive paralysis and dementia resulting in death by age 10 years.