Disseminated spinal cord astrocytoma with features of gliofibroma: a review of the literature.

Gliofibromas represent a relativel rare variant of astrocytoma marked by a mixture of astrocytoma and a benign mesenchymal component, usually fibroblastic with collagen deposition. The exact nature of these tumors, due to their rarity, is still uncertain. This paper reports a case of spinal cord gliofibroma arising in a 19-year-old female who presented with headaches. Imaging studies suggested widespread, multifocal tumor. Histologically, the tumor was marked by a low grade astrocytoma component (GFAP and S-100 positive) intermixed with bands of collagen. A Ki-67 labeling index of 1.9% was observed. The literature on gliofibromas arising in the spinal cord is reviewed.