Astrocytomas of the spinal cord are rare tumors that arise from astrocytes in the spinal cord and occur in the adult and pediatric populations. Astrocytomas account for approximately 30% of spinal cord tumors.

In this case there is no association with a NF1, so there is less probability of a pilocytic variant.

Nonenhancing intramedullary astrocytomas are not uncommon and comprise between 20% and 30% of intramedullary astrocytomas.