T(8;9) is a relatively new translocation that has been reported in a few patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) but never in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We report here a patient who presented with AML with t(8; 9). He lacked the Philadelphia chromosome but tested positive for the bcr/abl gene by the polymerase chain reaction method. This confirmed the diagnosis of CML with blast crisis, and appropriate treatment could be instituted.