Efficacy of anti-VEGF therapy for Irvine-Gass syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To investigate the efficacy of intravitreal anti-VEGF agents in the treatment of Irvine-Gass syndrome (IGS).

Systematic review with meta-analysis. The primary outcome was the percentage with resolution of cystoid macular edema (CME). Secondary outcomes were changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) from baseline to time of follow-up. A meta-analysis was conducted on changes in BCVA and CMT from baseline to a 6-month follow-up visit.

Seven retrospective studies and one randomized, sham-controlled, multicenter study provided data on a total of 343 eyes of 334 patients. The primary outcome was reported too heterogeneously to allow for meta-analysis, but three studies reported resolution of CME during follow-up in 66.4% to 100% of eyes treated. At 6 months after treatment initiation, the mean improvement in BCVA was 0.65 (95%CI: -0.83; -0.47) logMAR, and the mean decrease in CMT was 290.41 (95%CI: -351.33; -229.54) µm.

Current literature suggests potential benefits of intravitreal anti-VEGF in treating IGS. However, its superiority over placebo remains uncertain, suggesting the need for randomized, placebo-controlled trials.