1. Large cells found in granulomatous conditions. They are formed by the fusion of epithelioid cells (macrophages), and contain nuclei arranged in a horseshoe-shaped pattern in the cell periphery. Although traditionally their presence was associated with tuberculosis, they are not specific for tuberculosis or even for mycobacterial disease. In fact, they are found in nearly every form of granulomatous disease, regardless of etiology. (wikipedia.org)
2. Any of the large cells found in the lesions of some granulomatous conditions (as leprosy and tuberculosis) and containing a number of peripheral nuclei arranged in a circle or in the shape of a horseshoe. (merriam-webster.com/medical/)
3. Multinucleate cells formed by fusion of epithelioid macrophages and associated with the central part of early tubercular lesions. Similar to foreign body giant cells, but with the nuclei peripherally located. (biology-online.org)
Syn: Pirogov-Langhans cells