A carotid-cavernous fistula results from an abnormal communication between the arterial and venous systems within the cavernous sinus in the skull.

[citation needed] Patients usually present with sudden or insidious onset of redness in one eye, associated with progressive proptosis or bulging.

The spontaneous dural cavernous fistula which is more common usually results from a degenerative process in older patients with systemic hypertension and atherosclerosis.

Staged manual compression of the ipsilateral carotid has been reported to assist with spontaneous closure in selected cases.

[citation needed] Indirect CCF may be treated by occlusion of the affected cavernous sinus with coils, liquid agents or a combination of both.