The renal tubular acidosis (RTA) syndromes, while relatively rare, are of great interest among students of pathophysiology because they offer a model of disease in which the biochemical, physiologic, molecular, and, in some cases, genetic basis of its pathogenesis can be examined.1 Understanding the mechanisms causing RTA also offers a paradigm for nephrology teaching. Practicing physicians as well as adult and pediatric nephrologists in the academic setting who teach trainees at all levels ought to have a solid understanding of the RTA syndromes.
