Anitschkow cell

[2] Anitschkow cells are enlarged macrophages found within granulomas (called Aschoff bodies) associated with the disease.

[2] The cells are also called caterpillar cells, as they have an ovoid nucleus and chromatin that is condensed toward the center of the nucleus in a wavy rod-like pattern that to some resembles a caterpillar.

[2] Larger Anitschkow cells may coalesce to form multinucleated Aschoff giant cells.

[2] Anitschkow cells were named after the Russian pathologist Nikolay Anichkov.

[3] Squamous epithelial cells with nuclear changes resembling Anitschkow cells have also been observed in recurrent aphthous stomatitis, iron deficiency anemia, children receiving chemotherapy, as well as in healthy individuals.