17th February 2025

On returning from a trip to the Middle East, a 50-year-old gentleman progresses into respiratory distress.

On returning from a trip to the Middle East, a 50-year-old gentleman progresses into respiratory distress. 

Investigations are as follows:

Haemoglobin 82 (130 – 180)

White cell count 18.9 (4 -11)

Platelets 57 (150 – 450)

Mean Cell Volume 88 (80 – 100)

Sodium 135 (135-145)

Potassium 5.2 (3.5 – 5.5)

Urea 9.3 (2.5 – 7.8)

Creatinine 257 (59 – 104)

INR 1.7

D-dimer 8536 (<250)

CRP (<5)

After two days of admission, his respiratory function worsens and a chest X-ray shows bilateral opacities. A blood gas shows the following: PaO2 (partial pressure of oxygen) of 8.6 on an FiO2 of 60%. 

What is the likely complication he has developed?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.