Several studies have shown an increased risk of stroke following viral infection, particularly varicella infection in young adults and children.

Mycoplasma infection can involve the brain and spine but is not associated with vasculopathy. Trauma can lead to dissection of extracranial arteries but is very unusual for intracranial disease. Atrial fibrillation is a common cause of ischemic stroke in adults but is a rare cause in the pediatric population, and would not cause this angiogram pattern.