The American journal of surgical pathology
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Am. J. Surg. Pathol. · Jun 2002
Infiltrative astrocytomas with granular cell features (granular cell astrocytomas): a study of histopathologic features, grading, and outcome.
Granular cell astrocytomas (GCAs) are rare, incompletely characterized infiltrative gliomas that contain a prominent component of granular cells. Such tumors can readily be mistaken for reactive conditions. We studied 22 cases to explore their morphologic spectrum, establish features useful in distinguishing GCA from nonneoplastic diseases, and to determine which parameters correlate with biologic behavior. ⋯ Among 18 cases with follow-up, 15 recurred after surgery and resulted in death (mean survival, 7.6 months). Two patients died postoperatively, and one was alive at 51 months. Granular cell astrocytoma is an uncommon morphologic variant that appears to be rapidly progressive and usually fatal.