Objective To evaluate the MRI imaging features of intracranial pilocytic astrocytoma. Methods A retrospective analysis was made to the MRI manifestations of pilocytic astrocytoma in 17 cases confirmed by operation and pathologic study. Results Of all the 17 patients,11 cases were children,6 cases were adults,11 cases were in infratentorial region(64.7%).12 cases were cystic-solid, 4 cases were completely cystic degeneration,1 case was solid. The tumors had clear edges, 6 cases had peritumoral edema and 12 cases had obstructive hydrocephalus,3 cases presented with hemorrhage. The cystic part appeared as hypointensity on T1WI and hyperintensity on T2WI. The solid part of the tumors, the cystic wall manifested iso-hypointensity on T1WI, and iso-hyperintensity on T2WI. After the injection of contrast media, the solid part showed significant enhancement while the cystic wall showed no enhancement or slight enhancement, the cystic part showed no enhancement. Conclusion The pilocytic astrocytoma is usually seen in children and teenagers, adults are relatively less. Most of tumors are cystic-solid, MRI of pilocytic astrocytoma has characteristic imaging findings, which may improve the accurate diagnosis for preoperative clinic.