Molecular characterization of a discrete hemoglobinopathy upon investigation for a lung hydatic cyst in an old Tunisian patient.

We report the case of an old Tunisian patient hospitalized for a complicated hydatic cyst of the right lung. Primary laboratory investigation showed a microcytic hypochromic anemia with an abnormal hemoglobin pattern. Hemoglobin analysis and DNA sequencing of the β-globin gene revealed a compound heterozygote, HbO-Arab/cd 39 β°-thalassemia.