A patient presents with a tumor of the adrenal gland. It is determined that the levels of renin-angiotensin is low. Which of the following would lead to increased renin-angiotensin levels?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Secondary hyperaldosteronism. In this scenario, the low renin-angiotensin levels indicate a feedback mechanism where the body is trying to compensate for high aldosterone levels. Secondary hyperaldosteronism, which can be caused by conditions like renal artery stenosis or heart failure, leads to increased aldosterone secretion independent of renin levels, resulting in low renin-angiotensin levels.
A: Cushing's syndrome is associated with excess cortisol production, but it does not directly influence renin-angiotensin levels.
C: Primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome) is characterized by high aldosterone levels, not low renin-angiotensin levels.
D: Both Cushing's syndrome and secondary hyperaldosteronism do not necessarily occur together, making this option incorrect.