Anitschkow (Anichkov) cells



Anichkov's cells are cardiac histiocytic elements found in the vicinity of fibrinoid necrosis of Aschoff's nodules in rheumatic endocarditis. They are also present under physiological conditions. They are large cells with a centrally located round nucleus and centrally located chromatin. In longitudinal section, the core has the shape of a saw blade. Compared to Aschoff cells, they are smaller.