MERS Coronavirus: Complications

Respiratory system (J00-J99)

  • ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome; respiratory distress syndrome) – acute respiratory failure in a previously lung-healthy individual.
  • Pneumonia (pneumonia)
  • Pneumomediastinum (synonym: mediastinal emphysema) – accumulation of air in the mediastinum (part of the chest located between the two lungs); possible causes of spontaneous occurrence are:
    • Asthma exacerbations
    • Recurrent vomiting
    • Seizures
    • Valsava maneuvers (severe coughing, intense physical exertion, such as weight lifting, childbirth).
    • Barotrauma (flying and diving).
    • Strong singing or screaming
    • Iatrogenic: Working with air-driven turbines in the lower jaw during dental treatment.
    • Alcohol overuse and drugs (cannabis (hashish and marijuana); cocaine, heroin).
  • Pneumothorax – collapse of the lung caused by an accumulation of air between the visceral pleura (lung pleura) and the parietal pleura (chest pleura).

Genitourinary system (kidneys, urinary tract – sex organs) (N00-N99).

  • Renal failure