Primary Low-Grade Astrocytoma of the Spine With Secondary Cerebral Metastasis: A Case Report and Comprehensive Review of the Literature

An astrocytoma is a subclassification of glioma, with primary spinal manifestations accounting for less than 10% of all spinal cord tumors, with the majority encompassing low-grade features. It is even more uncommon for such lesions to demonstrate intracerebral metastasis. We report such an occurrence in a 39-year-old female who initially presented with an intramedullary and intradural mass from T10-L1, as well as secondary metastasis to the mesial right temporal lobe and cerebellum upon clinical follow-up. Surgical resection of the spine and subsequent temporal lobe biopsy confirmed high-grade glioma. Given the rarity and poor prognosis of spinal gliomas with cerebral metastasis, we also summarize all previously reported cases to date. We recommend that physicians maintain an index of suspicion for spinal gliomas in young patients with cord compression related symptoms outside the event of traumatic injury.