Clement E. Tagoe, MD, PhD

Dr. Clement Tagoe obtained his medical degree from the University of Ghana Medical School, Ghana, and a PhD in biochemistry from the University of Leeds, UK. His basic science research interests included the study of the role of annexins in cell function and rheumatic diseases, and subsequently the mechanisms of disease in transthyretin amyloidosis using several animal models of transthyretin amyloidosis. His clinical work in the area of transthyretin amyloidosis has greatly illuminated our understanding of the form of amyloidosis associated with the Transthyretin V122I (pV142I) mutation, which is found in about 3 to 4% of African Americans. His current work focuses on the role of autoimmune diseases in fibromyalgia and chronic widespread pain, and in particular the association of these syndromes with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). His work also explores the other musculoskeletal and rheumatic manifestations of autoimmune thyroid disease, including the association with peripheral osteoarthritis and spinal osteoarthritis. These autoimmune syndromes can occur in the absence of thyroid dysfunction and are of particular interest to physicians and patients because AITD is by far the commonest autoimmune disease.