The aim of the investigations was to demonstrate different types of collaterals of coronary arteries using the method of coronary angiography and injection-corrosion method. The investigations were carried out on 30 human cadaveric hearts from the Department of Anatomy, and 30 angiograms of patients from the Cardiology Department of Clinics Centre in Sarajevo. Clinical investigations were retrospective and prospective on patients that were treated in hospital, and on patients that just arrived in hospital (based on findings of coronary angiography). The results show the existence of different types of collaterals: intercoronary and intracoronary. We established collaterals in a case with occlusion of the right coronary artery and left coronary artery in which better development of collaterals was established. Our patients were classified in two groups: 1) Patients with good collaterals and good left ventricular function; 2) Patients with good collaterals and impaired left ventricular function. On the anatomical material we found different types of collaterals as well. Our results show that coronary angiography is useful diagnostic method for the demonstration of coronary collaterals.

It has been recognized that some people have a genetic variant which leads to elevated levels of homocysteine and impairs ability to process folate. This condition was recognized as independent risk factor of coronary heart disease. Recently, connection between this termolabile mutation of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and numerous conditions and diseases has been established. Aim of this review is to draw attention to this interesting area in medicine. Additionally, well defined study about presence and frequency of gene polymorphism in our region will provide proper diagnosis and achieve possible delay of development of diseases with vitamin supplementation.