Disseminated Tubuloreticular Inclusions in Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Tissue biopsies and peripheral blood samples from 10 patients with the characteristic clinical features of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) were examined by electron microscopy and ultracytochemical myeloperoxidase technique. Abundant tubuloreticular inclusions (TRI) were detected within the endoplasmic reticulum of capillary endothelial cells, histiocytes, and lymphocytes in kidneys, small bowel, and lymph nodes, and lymphocytes and monocytes from peripheral blood. In general, TRI were found in the same type of cells and with conspicuous high frequency in our cases of AIDS as had been previously described in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). These findings indicate a morphologic link between these immunological disorders and the presence of TRI, raising the possibility of similar pathogenetic mechanisms.