Tubuloreticular structures (TRS) and cylindric confronting cisternae (CCC) in childhood dermatomyositis

Tubuloreticular structures (TRS) and cylindric confronting cisternae (CCC) have been observed in circulating lymphocytes and in the muscle of six children with dermatomyositis. The presence of TRS was seen in all cases investigated, the number of CCC increased in various cells with the severity of the disease. Extensive formation of TRS and CCC in childhood dermatomyositis probably reflects local or systemic alpha-interferon production and suggests that some viral factor is responsible for the disease.