The t(3;12)(q26;p13) translocation is a recurrent chromosomal aberration observed in myeloid malignancies. The translocation results in the generation of the ETV6/myelodysplastic syndrome 1 (MDS1)/ectopic viral integration site 1 (EVI1) fusion gene. However, the present case report is the first to present this rearrangement in acute myelogeneous leukemia (AML)-M4. Notably, this case is the first report of AML-M4 with an initial trisomy 8 and secondary acquired t(3;12)(q26;p13). Cells harboring the t(3;12) translocation were found to exhibit a higher proliferative capacity than cells with pure trisomy 8, which is consistent with the role of the ETV6/MDS1/EVI1 fusion transcript in the development and progression of malignancy.