Diffuse gliomatosis of the central nervous system with histological features of microgliomatosis

An unusual case of diffuse gliomatosis affecting predominantly spinal cord but also paraxial structures of the brain is reported. Histologically, foci of tumor cells bore resemblance to microglia and a diagnosis of diffuse microgliomatosis was initially made. Subsequent review of histological material and immunostaining with anti-GFAP antiserum revealed astrocytic differentiation in the tumor. This is regarded as evidence of a poorly differentiated, diffuse gliomatosis exhibiting both astrocytic and microglial features. The controversy surrounding the microglia and microgliomatosis is reviewed.