Gliofibroma: a distinct entity or a subtype of desmoplastic astrocytoma?

Gliofibromas are rarely encountered astrocytic neoplasms characterized by an admixture of astrocytic and fibroblastic cell components. The exact nature of these rare tumors are still a matter of considerable debate. This article reports a case of gliofibroma occurring in a 3-month-old boy. The astrocytic component of the tumor stained diffusely positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S-100 protein. Prominent reticulin staining was observed within the fibroblastic component of the tumor. The MIB1 labeling index (positive number of tumor cells divided by total tumor cells counted X 100) was low (0.9), supporting the general slow growth of these tumors. Immunohistochemical staining with antibody against p53 protein was negative. Gliofibromas seem to be a low-grade variant of an astrocytoma that shares many features with other desmoplastic astrocytic neoplasms (desmoplastic infantile astrocytoma, desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma) including a generally favorable prognosis.